Matt Greer
Wellington,New Zealand
Summary
Experienced political engagement and policy specialist with capabilities in policy analysis and stakeholder engagement. I have worked at the heart of Government as a political adviser to several Cabinet Ministers, most recently working for the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office at the British High Commission in Wellington. I command a thorough understanding of political dynamics in New Zealand and the United Kingdom and possess the ability to navigate complex policy landscapes, while keeping a cool head and a maintaining a warm sense of humour.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Lead Political Adviser
British High Commission in Wellington, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office
Wellington, New Zealand
08.2022 - Current
- Plan, design and implement political engagement strategy to build relationships between diplomats and key Ministers, Members of Parliament, political influencers and stakeholders, engaging 75 MPs in first year of new Parliament
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of policy and legislation, with particular focus on NZ's infrastructure and education policy to promote opportunities for UK investment and expertise
- Work with and advise senior leaders to maximise Ministerial and political engagement
- Manage team of two with responsibility for domestic policy advice, events and scholarship programmes, and team budget
- Provide timely reporting on political economy, policy and current affairs for domestic and international audiences
- Represent UK Government at external business, social and political functions
Ministerial/Special Adviser
NZ Government
Wellington, New Zealand
02.2020 - 08.2022
- Ministerial (Special) Advisor to Ministers of Energy/Housing/Research and Science, and Minister of Transport/Workplace Relations and Immigration
- Policy experience in urban planning, COVID-19 vaccination procurement, transport decarbonisation projects, and mass rapid transit projects
- Provision of candid and insightful political advice and analysis to senior Ministers and industry
- Cultivation of key external stakeholder network to build understanding of policy and political environment
- Stewardship of Minister's work programme and political agenda, working across government departments and regulators
- Oversight of policy formation and Cabinet process, including identification and mitigation of political risk
- Management of senior public and private sector stakeholder relationships
- Liaison with Members of Parliament and civil servants to deliver on vast work program
Private Secretary - Executive Support
NZ Government
Wellington, New Zealand
07.2018 - 02.2020
- Worked for Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media, Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, and Immigration in administrative capacity
- Liaised with external stakeholders in support of events and engagements involving the Minister
- Facilitated briefing flow to the Minister and within the office
- Management of Ministerial diary and email inboxes
- Organised and maintained filing system for staff access
Account Executive/Team Leader
Isentia
Wellington, New Zealand
09.2014 - 07.2018
- Monitored and wrote broadcast news summaries to a high standard and within constrained deadlines
- Managed a team of 12 broadcast monitors, including through a company restructure, and spent four weeks inducting new broadcast monitors in the Philippines
- Serviced existing clients with training and account management, and promoted company products to prospective clients
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Double Major in Media Studies and Political Science
Victoria University of Wellington
Wellington 01.2013 - 11.2015
Skills
- Policy research and Analysis: Skill in gathering and analyzing data, conducting policy research, and assessing implications, political and otherwise, of different policy options
- Political acumen: Understanding of political dynamics, policies, and current affairs, and the skill to convey why it matters
- Briefing: Ability to write clear, concise and crisp briefs that unpacks the 'so what' of any given situation to ensure relevance and utility for senior leaders
- Communication and Influencing: A comfortable presenter possessing a strong verbal and written communication style, able to convey complex information clearly and persuasively to leaders and stakeholders
- Negotiation and Diplomacy: Negotiating and liaising with colleagues and stakeholders, with a view to finding a common ground
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and execute long-term strategies and short-term tactics to achieve policy and political objectives, and understand where opportunities for influence are
- People Leadership: Experience in leading change projects, recruiting and developing high calibre candidates and managing performance
- Crisis Management: Ability to handle crises and unexpected events calmly and effectively, including determining appropriate response strategies and communication management
Professional Development
- Economics for Foreign Policy (Blavatnik School of Government) via Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
- Graduate of UK Government Emerging Leaders Programme and Diplomatic Practice Programme
- Certificate in Crown-Māori Relations and Workplace Te Reo Māori (Kāpuhipuhi Wellington Uni-Professional)
- Member of 2024 Infrastructure New Zealand delegation to the UK
- Participated in Monitoring Oversight Group in 2022 Fiji national election
Timeline
Lead Political Adviser
British High Commission in Wellington, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office
08.2022 - Current
Ministerial/Special Adviser
NZ Government
02.2020 - 08.2022
Private Secretary - Executive Support
NZ Government
07.2018 - 02.2020
Account Executive/Team Leader
Isentia
09.2014 - 07.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Double Major in Media Studies and Political Science
Victoria University of Wellington
01.2013 - 11.2015
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