Job Description
Full job description
Advisor L1 salary range: $81,108-$99,131
Advisor L2 salary range: $95,340-$116,526
Shape the Future of Legislation in Aotearoa New Zealand
Are you passionate about good law, thoughtful policy, and making a real impact across government? Do you thrive in complex environments and enjoy working on diverse, meaningful projects? If so, we'd love to hear from you.
The Legislative Stewardship team at the Parliamentary Counsel Office is looking for a talented Advisor (L1 or L2) to help deliver our ambitious strategic work programme. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the stewardship of New Zealand's legislation and support the development of high-quality law that serves our communities.
What we do
The Parliamentary Counsel Office is New Zealand's law drafting and publication office, and the Government's legislative adviser. Its statutory objective is to promote high-quality legislation that is easy to find, use, and understand and, to that end, to exercise stewardship of New Zealand's legislation as a whole.
If you value people, thrive on collaboration and seek to achieve meaningful outcomes, then PCO is the place for you! The work we do is challenging, diverse, and integral to the lives of New Zealanders. There's no place like it.
The team
The Legislative Stewardship team is responsible for PCO's Legislative Stewardship Strategy and delivering key Government priorities. The team leads, manages and implements associated work programmes directly and through others inside and outside PCO. We work across team, group and organisational boundaries to achieve our objectives.
The team also leads PCO's strategy and policy function for legislation. It is the secretariat for the Legislative Design and Advisory Committee and provides PCO's corporate legal function.
The team has an ambitious strategic work programme, a diverse set of responsibilities, and a complex and sometimes ambiguous operating context. Our work requires clear prioritisation, excellent project and task management, and highly skilled people to be successful. We also need to be nimble to take opportunities to achieve our objectives as they arise.
The role
As an Advisor in the Legislative Stewardship team, your primary focus will be on delivering the PCO's revision programme under Part 3 of the Legislation Act and work to repeal redundant or spent legislation-critical functions that ensure New Zealand's legislation is easy to find, use and understand. You will play a key role in modernising outdated Acts and removing legislation that is no longer required.
You will lead and contribute to a range of tasks that support this work, including:
being one of the PCO's key policy advisors for revision bills on the programme
analysing legislation to identify Acts that are redundant or spent
working with relevant administering agencies and consulting stakeholders
preparing Cabinet papers, Ministerial briefings, and supporting documents
preparing instructions and reviewing draft legislation
supporting the House process, including attending select committees, coordination with legal drafters, agencies, and parliamentary processes to ensure successful repeal or revision.
In addition to your primary focus, you will also contribute to other areas of the team's work programme.
Who are we looking for?
We're looking for someone with:
strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex ideas clearly and visually
effective critical thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity
an understanding of New Zealand's legislative system, including the Parliamentary process and public law
genuine enthusiasm for legislative design, drafting, and improving access to legislation.
Whether you're early in your career or bringing years of experience, we welcome applications from people who are excited to contribute to the stewardship of New Zealand's legislative system.
Depending on your skills and experience, you will be appointed at either Advisor Level 1 or Level 2. This role also offers a clear and supported pathway for career progression.
A tertiary qualification is required, preferably in law, public policy or a related discipline.
Our culture
Our whakatauaki is a guiding principle that helps to ensure our actions and decisions align with our values.
Ma te whakamana tangata, me te mahi ngatahi, ka whai putanga tatou
Through valuing people and collaborating, we can achieve great outcomes
Located across the road from Parliament, PCO offers you a fascinating insight into Aotearoa's legislation. Our workplace values empathy, collaboration, and high performance. We welcome diversity and believe that different perspectives make our work stronger. Our small size means you'll have the chance to work across a broad range of opportunities and grow your skills.
We offer a range of resources to support your wellbeing such as flexible working arrangements, 5 weeks annual leave, access to fitness opportunities such as the Parliament gym, discounted health insurance, annual vision and hearing test reimbursement, in-house te reo classes, and more.
How to apply
For more information about working at the PCO, as well as the job description, please visit our careers page www.pco.govt.nz/careers-at-the-pco.
All applications must be completed through the listing on Seek and include a cover letter telling us why you are suitable for the role, and a CV.
Enquiries can be sent to: recruitment@pco.govt.nz
Applications close: 5pm Tuesday 21 October 2026.
Advisor L1 salary range: $81,108-$99,131
Advisor L2 salary range: $95,340-$116,526
Shape the Future of Legislation in Aotearoa New Zealand
Are you passionate about good law, thoughtful policy, and making a real impact across government? Do you thrive in complex environments and enjoy working on diverse, meaningful projects? If so, we'd love to hear from you.
The Legislative Stewardship team at the Parliamentary Counsel Office is looking for a talented Advisor (L1 or L2) to help deliver our ambitious strategic work programme. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the stewardship of New Zealand's legislation and support the development of high-quality law that serves our communities.
What we do
The Parliamentary Counsel Office is New Zealand's law drafting and publication office, and the Government's legislative adviser. Its statutory objective is to promote high-quality legislation that is easy to find, use, and understand and, to that end, to exercise stewardship of New Zealand's legislation as a whole.
If you value people, thrive on collaboration and seek to achieve meaningful outcomes, then PCO is the place for you! The work we do is challenging, diverse, and integral to the lives of New Zealanders. There's no place like it.
The team
The Legislative Stewardship team is responsible for PCO's Legislative Stewardship Strategy and delivering key Government priorities. The team leads, manages and implements associated work programmes directly and through others inside and outside PCO. We work across team, group and organisational boundaries to achieve our objectives.
The team also leads PCO's strategy and policy function for legislation. It is the secretariat for the Legislative Design and Advisory Committee and provides PCO's corporate legal function.
The team has an ambitious strategic work programme, a diverse set of responsibilities, and a complex and sometimes ambiguous operating context. Our work requires clear prioritisation, excellent project and task management, and highly skilled people to be successful. We also need to be nimble to take opportunities to achieve our objectives as they arise.
The role
As an Advisor in the Legislative Stewardship team, your primary focus will be on delivering the PCO's revision programme under Part 3 of the Legislation Act and work to repeal redundant or spent legislation-critical functions that ensure New Zealand's legislation is easy to find, use and understand. You will play a key role in modernising outdated Acts and removing legislation that is no longer required.
You will lead and contribute to a range of tasks that support this work, including:
being one of the PCO's key policy advisors for revision bills on the programme
analysing legislation to identify Acts that are redundant or spent
working with relevant administering agencies and consulting stakeholders
preparing Cabinet papers, Ministerial briefings, and supporting documents
preparing instructions and reviewing draft legislation
supporting the House process, including attending select committees, coordination with legal drafters, agencies, and parliamentary processes to ensure successful repeal or revision.
In addition to your primary focus, you will also contribute to other areas of the team's work programme.
Who are we looking for?
We're looking for someone with:
strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex ideas clearly and visually
effective critical thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity
an understanding of New Zealand's legislative system, including the Parliamentary process and public law
genuine enthusiasm for legislative design, drafting, and improving access to legislation.
Whether you're early in your career or bringing years of experience, we welcome applications from people who are excited to contribute to the stewardship of New Zealand's legislative system.
Depending on your skills and experience, you will be appointed at either Advisor Level 1 or Level 2. This role also offers a clear and supported pathway for career progression.
A tertiary qualification is required, preferably in law, public policy or a related discipline.
Our culture
Our whakatauaki is a guiding principle that helps to ensure our actions and decisions align with our values.
Ma te whakamana tangata, me te mahi ngatahi, ka whai putanga tatou
Through valuing people and collaborating, we can achieve great outcomes
Located across the road from Parliament, PCO offers you a fascinating insight into Aotearoa's legislation. Our workplace values empathy, collaboration, and high performance. We welcome diversity and believe that different perspectives make our work stronger. Our small size means you'll have the chance to work across a broad range of opportunities and grow your skills.
We offer a range of resources to support your wellbeing such as flexible working arrangements, 5 weeks annual leave, access to fitness opportunities such as the Parliament gym, discounted health insurance, annual vision and hearing test reimbursement, in-house te reo classes, and more.
How to apply
For more information about working at the PCO, as well as the job description, please visit our careers page www.pco.govt.nz/careers-at-the-pco.
All applications must be completed through the listing on Seek and include a cover letter telling us why you are suitable for the role, and a CV.
Enquiries can be sent to: recruitment@pco.govt.nz
Applications close: 5pm Tuesday 21 October 2026.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Advisor L1 or L2 Legislative Stewardship position is now open for candidates interested in the Legal Jobs sector. This role in Wellington offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Legal Jobs is a plus.
