Principal Advisor

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Salary range $132,417 - $160,472 + KiwiSaver 
• Permanent and Fixed term available | Wellington New Zealand
• Shape the future of work in Aotearoa New Zealand

About the Role - Tēnei tūranga:

We are looking for two permanent and one 12 month fixed term Principal Policy Advisors to join a branch at the centre of some of New Zealand's most significant workplace reforms and help shape the systems that underpin our economy, workplaces and communities. From employment standards and employment relations through to New Zealand's unique accident compensation scheme, you'll work on complex issues that matter to workers, employers and whānau across Aotearoa.

As a Principal Policy Advisor, you'll lead high-profile work, engage directly with Ministers and senior decision-makers, and help shape the future direction of policy in New Zealand.

Why you'll love this role

This is an opportunity to work where great policy is valued and trusted.

You'll be given the autonomy to tackle complex challenges, the support of exceptional colleagues, and the opportunity to see your advice influence real-world outcomes.

• Lead complex and high-profile policy programmes.
• Work directly with Ministers, senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Influence legislative and regulatory reform.
• Help shape future workplace and accident compensation settings, and influence the performance of crown entities.
• Coach and develop the next generation of policy professionals.
• Work alongside some of New Zealand's leading policy thinkers.

About the branch

The Workplace Relations and Safety Policy branch is home to a highly regarded team of policy professionals working on some of New Zealand's most important economic and social issues.

We value curiosity, collaboration and high-quality policy thinking. You'll work across interconnected policy portfolios, leading challenging and visible work while contributing to outcomes that make a real difference for New Zealanders.

What we offer

• Work that genuinely matters.
• Direct exposure to Ministers and senior decision-makers.
• A high-performing and collegial policy environment.
• Interesting and challenging policy issues with national significance.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Strong professional development and career growth opportunities.
• A culture that values innovation, learning and diverse perspectives.

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

• Significant experience leading complex public policy projects.
• Excellent policy judgement and strategic thinking.
• Experience developing advice on legislation, regulation or major reform programmes.
• A whole of regulatory system view, from legislative design to the performance of the entities governed by the legislation
• Ability to interpret financial, economic, and quantitative information and apply it to policy issues
• Strong relationship management and influencing skills.
• A deep understanding of government decision-making and policy processes.
• Experience leading and mentoring others.
• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in policy development.
• If applying from Australia, you must have the legal right to work and live in New Zealand.

Most importantly, you'll be intellectually curious, collaborative, and committed to delivering outstanding policy advice.

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. . 

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!  If applying from Australia, you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Email Dorinda Te Kiri at xx.xx@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/20046 if you have any further questions.

Applications close 13 September 2026