Policy Director | Resource Markets

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Policy leadership position in the Resources Markets branch
• Opportunity to provide thought leadership on complex, multi-portfolio issues to support the development of New Zealand’s resources sector
• Permanent position based in Wellington CBD – also open to secondments
• Salary Band: $193,289 - $241,611 (midpoint) and wellness benefits. We are looking to appoint up to midpoint.

About the Role - Tēnei tūranga:

We have an exciting Policy Director opportunity for an experienced policy professional to lead work across policy and regulatory issues to support the development of New Zealand’s natural resources – including minerals, oil and gas, geothermal and hydrogen. These are core to MBIE’s delivery outcome of a strong and resilient economy that delivers energy security and value from resources for New Zealand.

The Policy Director is a senior position whose role is to support the General Manager and work collaboratively with the leadership team to ensure delivery on key policy and operational priorities, while helping to set the strategic direction for the branch.  It presents significant opportunities for those looking for a senior-level career in policy.

As a Policy Director, you will support the delivery of key parts of our work programme by providing leadership on complex, whole-of-government, multi-sector, multi-portfolio and international issues. You will work effectively across both policy and regulatory operations, partnering with senior managers to build capability across the Resource Markets branch and to ensure the quality and consistency of policy advice and operational practices.

You will be a leader and an expert, bringing significant depth of experience in regulation and markets, political nous, and strong relationship skills. You will have established relationships at a senior level across government, industry, and iwi, be confident engaging with Ministers, and be adept at operating in a complex, high-priority regulatory environment. You will have resources sector knowledge or transferable experience from adjacent sectors, alongside deep expertise in regulatory design and economic growth, preferably in a market regulation context.

About the Resource Markets Branch:

This role sits within the Resource Markets branch. We cover the full Resources portfolio, with the aim of making sure New Zealanders have secure, sufficient and affordable energy and resources to drive our economy and way of life.

Our branch covers the full breadth of policy, business development and operational functions as a regulator of Crown Minerals under the Resources portfolio. We also deliver MBIE’s new functions as regulator for Offshore Renewable Energy and ensure compliance with fuel resilience obligations under the Energy portfolio.

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

We are seeking someone with significant experience in leading policy work at senior levels, in particular regulatory and strategic policy in a market context.  In particular you will need:

• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with Ministers, senior public service officials, internal and external stakeholders
• Experience managing the delivery and landing of advice and tasks with senior managers, Ministers and stakeholders, domestically and internationally
• Strategic thinking skills and the ability to make connections within and between work programmes across the branch and wider organisation
• Expertise in economics, regulation of markets and/or the commercial sector, with a background in the resources sector or adjacent sectors with transferable experience
• Ability to engage with iwi/Māori on sensitive policy matters  
• The desire to work on whole-of-organisation, whole-of-government and whole-of-public sector issues
• Demonstrated political nous and pragmatism
• Ability to lead complex policy and strategy work programmes, and anticipate the needs of Ministers
• In-depth understanding of the policy development process, including stakeholder consultation processes and Treaty commitments
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills allowing you to influence critical decision makers such as Ministers and senior sector leaders, and drive change
• Extensive knowledge and experience of machinery of government
• Ability to gain and maintain a national security clearance

Come join us and make a difference to New Zealanders.

About MBIE - Ētahi kōrero mō 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.

How to Apply - Me pēhea te tono:

Click here to view a position description.

All applications must be submitted via our online process and include a Cover Letter and CV outlining your interest and suitability for the role.

Email Monica Chow at Monica.Chow2@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/19762 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on Friday, 31st July at 11.59pm.