Senior Policy Adviser, Human Resources

• Can you navigate complex employment matters and provide practical, high-quality policy advice?
• Do you enjoy working collaboratively with stakeholders to influence positive organisational outcomes?
• Are you an experienced policy professional who enjoys working across strategy, people policy, employment relations, and organisational change?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role 

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a Senior Policy Adviser to join our Employment Law and Employment Relations team within Te Pūmanawa Tāngata - Human Resources on a permanent, part-time contract. 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

Ō pūmanawa - About you

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.

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.

Role Description: Click here to see further information, including salary details.

If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University career's page.

Close date for vacancy: 16 November 2026.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role, please get in touch with Matthew Drake, Robert Walters (Recruitment) (Matthew.Drake@robertwalters.co.nz, 04 471 9709). Please note, applications are being managed through our recruitment agency, Robert Walters.

How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. Candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter. 

We can only consider applicants who are citizens or residents of New Zealand or Australia or on a current working visa. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted.

Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we have made here.

Explore the many benefits of working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Find out where you fit in our strategic direction and learn more about our research expertise.