Principal Policy Advisor

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Bring your experience in policy leadership, relationship management and effective influencing to contribute to the success of reform of New Zealand’s science system   
• Join MBIE and fill a vital role supporting the new Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council
• Further develop and grow your policy expertise working in a high-profile area of reform and directly with members of the PM’s Council
• Wellington CBD Permanent role
• Salary: $132,417 - $160,472 p.a. + KiwiSaver and Wellness Benefits 

Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is leading a significant reform of New Zealand’s Science, Innovation and Technology system – the first in over 30 years – to ensure that it can support sustained economic growth and high living standards for all New Zealanders.  A key feature of the reformed system will be a new Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council which is being established to advise the Prime Minister on ways to leverage science, innovation, and technology investment to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for New Zealanders now and in the future.

The PMSITAC will be responsible for developing key priorities for SI&T investment.  It will be responsible for setting long-term strategic direction across the SI&T system.  Agreed priorities will inform funding decisions across the SI&T system, and the Council will have a role in reporting on whole-of-system performance.   

MBIE is creating new roles alongside the establishment of the Council which together will be responsible for ensuring that the Council is able to deliver on its purpose.  

We are looking for an experienced Principal Policy Advisor to join our Science Sector Policy team as the senior role of these new positions.  This role will lead the Secretariat for the Council and support it and its members to make informed decisions to support New Zealand’s economic growth through Science, Innovation and Technology.

The ideal candidate will have experience in working credibly and effectively with senior level stakeholders, an understanding of the SI&T system and its contribution to economic growth, and a can-do attitude to get the job done.    

This role provides an opportunity to develop and build your policy expertise in a fast-paced environment in an engaged, collaborative, and supportive team.  

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

• Wide ranging experience of policy development disciplines and processes, with a solid understanding of the machinery of government 
• Well-rounded relationship management skills and experience in influencing a range of stakeholders, using different methods and techniques  
• A strategic understanding of New Zealand’s science, innovation and technology system and how it can underpin future economic growth
• An understanding of foresighting techniques, and their strengths and weaknesses
• understand Te Tiriti o Waitangi and have applied it in public policy and in partnership with Māori
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, with proven experience in delivering robust policy advice 
• Demonstrated capability in engagement with Ministers, senior public service officials, internal and external stakeholders 
• Experience and passion for leading and coaching others to develop their policy craft and further their careers 
• 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 Matt Guy at matt.guy@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/17272 if you have any further questions.

Owing to business needs candidates will be screened throughout the advertising period.

Applications close on 16th of May 2025