Policy Advisor

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Apply, develop, and grow your policy expertise working on a significant reform programme across the science and innovation system 
• $75,114 – $93,724  + KiwiSaver + Wellness Benefits - Wellington CBD, perm full time roles
• Discover a career with purpose at MBIE!

Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:

We are looking for two Policy Advisors to join the Science System Policy team in our Science Branch, contributing to significant reforms of New Zealand’s Science, Innovation, and Technology system. Our current work programme is centred on establishing a strategy-led science system which supports economic growth, reforming the science funding model, and changing how we deliver public good science. 

You can read more about the reforms on the MBIE Science website, especially the Science Investment Plan. 

Team Overviews 

The Science System Policy team provides advice on how New Zealand’s science and research system is designed and stewarded to deliver long-term national benefit. The team works across funding, institutions, workforce, infrastructure, public good science, and system performance to support reform and government science and technology investment.

Our team works very closely with the Science Sector Policy team, and from time to time the sign-out manager for your work will be the manager of that team. 

The team works in close collaboration with other teams across the Science, Innovation and Technology and Economic Development portfolios to deliver on the Government’s priorities, and works closely with Public Research Organisations, businesses, investors, and universities.

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana - Skills and Experience Required

 We are keen to hear from you if you are a capable Policy Advisor who has:

•    a sound base of experience in public policy or a related field
•    knowledge of policy development disciplines and processes, and experience applying these to analyse policy issues and contribute to policy advice
•    the ability to build knowledge of policy issues by drawing on information and evidence from a range of sources
•    strong analytical thinking and the ability to identify problems, develop options, and assess trade-offs
•    the ability to communicate issues clearly and concisely in both written and verbal formats
•    a positive, can-do attitude and the ability to manage workload, priorities, and changing requirements
•    the legal right to live and work in New Zealand

Ētahi kōrero mō MBIE - About MBIE:

MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders.

We do this by working with others to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities and by working to ensure quality housing is more affordable.

People are at the heart of our mahi, our way of working is guided by our values which shape our behaviours.

• Mahi Tahi – Better Together
• Māia – Bold and brave
• Pae Kahurangi – Build our Future
• Pono Me Te Tika – Own It

Our aspirations are echoed in our Māori identity – Hīkina Whakatutuki – which broadly means ‘lifting to make successful'.

MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Māori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Māori, other Māori groups/organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Māori and for wider Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to continuing to partner with iwi in order to find new sustainable solutions to address long standing systemic and cross-cutting issues facing Māori and wider Aotearoa New Zealand and we are also committed to identifying opportunities for iwi to lead and creating an enabling environment for iwi to leverage these opportunities.

E mōhio ana a Hīkina Whakatutuki i puea ake te kōtuinga I waenganui i a ngāi Māori me te Karauna i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ā, kei te whai ia ki te whakaū ake i Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Mā te whai kiko o ngā kōtuinga ahunga roa o ngā iwi, o ngāi Māori, me ētahi atu rōpū Māori ki te Karauna, ka tutuki tēnei. He āhuatanga nui tēnei e āhei ai ngā mahi whanaketanga ā-ohanga, ā-pāpori hoki ki a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui. E whai tonu ana mātou ki te kōtui atu ki ngā iwi mō te rapu huarahi hou ki te whakaara i ngā kaupapa kua roa nei e tāmi ana i a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui, ā, e whai ana hoki ki te tautohu i ngā āheinga kōkiritanga mā ngā iwi, me te tautoko i ngā iwi kia whai mana ake ai ēnei āheinga.

Me pēhea te tono - How to Apply:

Click here to view a position description. 

When you are ready to apply please send a CV and cover letter telling us why you're the perfect fit for this role.

All applications must be submitted via our online process.

We can't wait to hear from you!

Email Matt Guy at matt.guy@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/19760 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on the 10th of July 2026