Principal Advisor I Government Property

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Lead system level strategic thinking
• Influence key decision making
• Permanent, full-time position based in our central Wellington offices
• Salary $132,417 - $160,472 + Kiwisaver 

The Government Property Office (GPO) at MBIE provides strategic leadership of the government’s office portfolio — a system spanning 70+ agencies, almost 1 million sqm, and significant public investment. As the Principal Advisor, you will sit at the centre of this system, influencing decisions, shaping strategy, challenging assumptions, and ensuring the government delivers value for money through its property assets.

Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:

This is a senior, high influence position for someone who can think big, work across complexity, and bring clarity to system-level issues.

You will:

• Lead strategic thinking that shapes the future state of the government property 
• Challenge the status quo and introduce fresh, rigorous thinking 
• Work closely with senior leaders, Ministers’ offices, central agencies, and agency property teams
• Influence governance processes and support the Government Property Governance Board with high-quality advice
• Identify opportunities, risks, trends and system-wide constraints — then translate them into actionable priorities

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

We’re looking for someone who has:

• Deep strategic capability — the ability to see the big picture, anticipate future challenges
• A mindset that challenges and provokes improvement, bringing new ideas and constructive critique to how things are done
• Comfort operating in ambiguity and complexity, connecting insights across policy, investment, property, and organisational strategy
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement skills — you can influence and build trust with senior leaders and cross agency partners
• Understanding of the machinery of government – Cabinet/ministerial processes, and public sector governance
• Financial and investment lens – cost–benefit thinking, whole of life analysis, value-for-money advice.
• Excellent communication skills, especially synthesising complex issues into clear, compelling advice for decision makers
• A background in strategy, public sector investment, economics, finance, public policy, organisational planning, or similar would be beneficial but not essential.
• Property experience is useful but not essential.
• Must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand

Why join MBIE?

At MBIE, we put people at the heart of our mahi. You’ll be joining a team that values learning, collaboration, innovation, and service. As part of the Government Property Office, your work will support better stewardship of a portfolio that spans over 70 agencies, covering hundreds of locations across Aotearoa.

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 ahungaroa o ngāi wi, o ngāi Māori, me ētahi atu rōpū Māori ki te Karauna, katutuki 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 kaupapakua 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.

All applications must be submitted online and include a CV and brief Cover Letter outlining your motivation to apply and relevant skills and experience.  

Email Jess Dalbeth at jess.dalbeth@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/19074 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on Tuesday 3rd March 2026, at 11:59pm.