Principal Engagement Advisor

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Lead strategic engagement that shapes how MBIE Workplace connects, collaborates, and delivers for their differing business groups
• Build trusted relationships and drive impactful communication across complex, high-profile property initiatives
• 8-month fixed term | Wellington or Auckland based
• Salary - $118,390 - $143.639

Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:

We’re looking for a seasoned communications and engagement professional to join our Workplace, Safety and Security branch as a Principal Engagement Advisor. In this pivotal role, you’ll lead the development and delivery of strategic stakeholder engagement and communication plans that support MBIE’s property and workplace initiatives.

You’ll work closely with senior leaders, project teams, and iwi partners to ensure our engagement is inclusive, future-focused, and aligned with MBIE’s strategic direction. 

Your ability to think strategically, act decisively, and build strong, enduring relationships will be key to your success.

Working within the Partnerships and Engagement team, you’ll be part of a collaborative group that supports MBIE’s property portfolio and workplace transformation efforts.

In this role you will:

• Provide trusted advice to senior leaders and project teams.
• Lead the development of strategic engagement and communication plans.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with iwi, mana whenua, and key stakeholders.
• Ensure aligment with MBIE's strategic direction and values.
• Contribute to a high-performing, collaborative team culture.

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

• Proven experience in strategic stakeholder engagement and communications.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex engagement initiatives and influence at a senior level.
• Skilled in using a mix of engagement, digital, and marketing tools to deliver effective solutions.
• Sound understanding of government processes and the political landscape.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including iwi and mana whenua.
• Excellent judgement, resilience, and interpersonal skills.
• A tertiary qualification in communications, PR, journalism, or equivalent experience.
• Must have 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 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 via our online process and include a Cover Letter and CV outlining your interest and suitability for the role. 

Email Dorinda Te Kiri at dorinda.tekiri@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/17463 if you have any further questions.

Applications close 15 June 2025