Communications & Research Advisor | Labour Leader’s Office

The Labour Leader’s Office (LLO) supports the Labour Leader and members of Parliament in their parliamentary duties by providing a range of professional, timely, accurate, and high-quality political services, advice, and support.

Mō te tūnga | About the role:

As a Communications and Research Advisor, you will provide high-quality communications, research and community and stakeholder engagement support with a parliamentary purpose to Labour’s Justice spokesperson and other Labour members of Parliament to enable them to fulfil their responsibilities to Parliament and to the public of New Zealand. This is a fixed term position, for 20 hours per week through to 30 October 2026.

Ngā haepapa | Responsibilities:

• Advise and support Labour Leader’s Office staff with oral and written questions.
•  Identify and recommend to the Director/Chief Press Secretary media opportunities.
• Identify and work with the Communications team on Social Media opportunities.
• Develop specialist knowledge and expertise in the Justice portfolio to provide referenced research and robust advice to the member of Parliament. Lead the collection, preparation and development of all materials, including speech notes, briefings, long-term advocacy for change or action on issues, policy, and parliamentary questions and/or responses.
• Compile and summarise research from different sources for speeches and support for debates and events.
• Assemble, collate data, analyse and compile statistics.
• Assist with monitoring and summarising information which ensures the Opposition Justice spokesperson is well briefed, and kept up to date in their portfolio.
• Supporting engagement with the Justice sector, including developing a key stakeholder database.
• Develop a Justice portfolio community/stakeholder engagement plan.
• Assisting with the public engagement project already in place – including a monthly newsletter on local issues, and organising community meet ups as the schedule rolls out.
• Supporting social media content, particularly planning opportunities proactively based on above.
• Build, develop and maintain positive working relationships with local community groups & networks.
• Identify issues in the community of potential concern to members of Parliament and provide advice on resolution.
• Participate in stakeholder and community members meetings as required.
• Monitor the engagement activities of other political parties and relevant organisations with regards the Justice portfolio.

Tō kete | What you will bring to the role:

• Demonstrated experience in managing a wide range of stakeholder relationships at all levels.
• Understanding of Parliamentary Labour values and their relationship to one another.
• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent work experience. Previous experience of working in a political environment would be advantageous.
• A lateral thinking with proven ability to work to deadline, under pressure and without close supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to research, understand, analyse and communicate complex issues in clear, everyday language for different audiences.
• Strong understanding of the media environment and different communications approaches.
• Strong planning, coordination and time-management skills, with the ability to multi-task, meet tight deadlines, and prioritise effectively.
• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent work experience. Previous experience of working in a political environment would be advantageous.

He aha te pai o te mahi ki Te Ratonga Whare Pāremata? | Why work for Parliamentary Service?

• We offer a range of benefits, including five weeks annual leave and an eye and hearing subsidies
• You will receive a Parliamentary Service induction to set you up for success, along with ongoing learning, development, and professional networking opportunities
• We are proud of our He Ao Takitaki (Te Ao Māori strategy); we offer karakia, waiata, reo Māori opportunities, and other staff networks
• Our core values are at the heart of how we work: Integrity, Manaakitanga, Accountability, Whanaungatanga and Empowerment

The pay band for this role starts at $72,100 per annum, with appointments based on skills and experience. Employees are employed on an 'events based' agreement, with your employment linked to the Leader of the Labour Party. This role is based at the Parliamentary precinct in Wellington and for 20 hours per week.

If you want to work in a role and environment unlike any other—one that is hugely rewarding and exciting with the chance to make a difference—apply now.

Applications close 11.59pm, Sunday, 22 March 2026

If you have any questions, please contact Jodie.taylor@parliament.govt.nz