Senior Policy Advisor

Are you an experienced policy professional who enjoys working across strategy, people policy, employment relations, and organisational change?

We are seeking a Senior Policy Advisor to join our Employment Law and Employment Relations team within Human Resources. This is a unique opportunity to influence the development of people-related policy and practice across one of New Zealand's leading universities.

This role sits at the intersection of policy, people, and organisational strategy. You will lead the development, review, and implementation of human resources policies, provide expert advice on employment-related matters, contribute to significant HR initiatives and projects, and support the University in maintaining contemporary, practical, and legally robust people frameworks.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the review, development, and implementation of HR policies and related frameworks.
• Partner with policy owners and stakeholders across the University to deliver high-quality policy outcomes.
• Provide expert advice on employment-related matters, policy interpretation, and organisational risk.
• Support major HR initiatives and projects from conception through to implementation.
• Develop resources, communications, and training to support successful adoption of policy changes.
• Build effective relationships with leaders, managers, staff representatives, and colleagues across the University.
• Contribute to collective bargaining and wider employment relations initiatives where required.

You may come from a policy, HR, employment relations, public sector, tertiary sector, or organisational advisory background. What matters most is your ability to navigate complex issues, provide sound advice, and influence outcomes in a collaborative environment.

To be successful you will bring:

• Significant experience in a policy, people advisory, human resources, employment relations, or similar role.
• A track record of developing practical and effective policy solutions in a complex organisation.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare high-quality papers and advice.
• Experience building trusted relationships across a diverse stakeholder environment.
• A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and working in ways that support an inclusive and equitable workplace.
• A relevant tertiary qualification.

This is a part-time position, working 28 hours per week (0.7 FTE), and salary will be pro-rated on this basis.

If you are an experienced policy professional looking for a role where you can combine strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and practical implementation, we'd love to hear from you.

Applications close Friday 13th November.

Robert Walters endeavours to review all applications in a maximum of five working days. If you have not received correspondence within this timeframe please do not hesitate to contact Matthew Drake on +6444719709 or Matthew.Drake@robertwalters.co.nz