Political Context and Priorities (Expert / leading)

70% on-the-job learning

• Apply your commissioning skills and expert subject knowledge of political context and priorities to clarify desired outcomes for new policy work, including risks and spending constraints.
• Lead and guide other colleagues in complex policy projects that require working across multiple agencies and with multiple ministers.
• Lead work that is central to the Parliamentary and election cycle (e.g. briefings for incoming ministers).
• Consider a secondment to the minister’s office, so you can better see how the political context and priorities impact on the work programme.
• Share your knowledge with other colleagues about budget and legislative processes and how to make bids.
• Build and draw on well-established relationships with officials and advisors in the minister’s office, across agencies and networks, to anticipate risks and the need for advice.
• Lead complex projects that require an understanding of the relationship between Māori and the Crown and consultation with Māori groups.
• Maintain strong relationships with Māori groups and individuals with an interest in your subject area.
• Share lessons and insights with other colleagues on government directions and pressures through in-house training and coaching or mentoring.

20% learning from others

• Seek critique from other colleagues who have considerable experience in interacting with ministers and Parliamentary processes.
• Build relationships with representatives of central agencies (Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission, the Treasury, and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet) to get their perspective on government priorities.

10% formal learning

• Talk to your manager about any formal learning opportunities available to you.