Principal Policy Advisor

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• A unique opportunity to work at the centre of Government on high priority economic growth initiatives.
• Provide thought leadership on economic development policy with specific leadership in Pacific economic development policy work.
• Contribute to work that matters for New Zealand’s economic future.
• Salary: $132,417 - $160,472 +KiwiSaver +wellness benefits, Wellington CBD.

Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:

We’re seeking an experienced Principal Advisor Policy within the Economic Development Policy team, supporting the Government’s Economic Growth agenda. This role sits at the heart of government and plays a key role in supporting the Economic Growth Branch in leading and contributing to high profile initiatives, including Going for Growth, Pacific economic policy and policy programmes.

This opportunity is ideal for a strong policy leader looking to broaden their experience, gain exposure to senior decision makers, and contribute to nationally significant priorities in a fast paced and varied environment.

As a Principal Advisor, you will provide leadership on Pacific economic policy and programmes, support, mentor and coach team members and contribute and support economic growth policies development and implementation.

This role requires an experienced policy leader with high initiative, able to work across varied domains, aligning policy with government priorities.

You will be responsible for:

• Providing authoritative policy advice and leading programmes of work and project teams on complex and sensitive areas.
• Influencing on domain topics through engagement and communication with senior stakeholders.
• Enhancing the overall capability of the team through guiding and mentoring senior advisors and advisors in their day-to-day work.
• Discrete policy issues, and contributing to larger, more complex projects where others have the accountability for the delivery of outputs.
• Partnering with policy manager to drive the strategic policy agenda and set the direction for the team’s policy domain.

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana -

Skills and Experience Required
 

We are looking for a someone with 5 – 10 years’ experience that has:

• Strong strategic policy skills with the ability to shape direction and lead complex work, with expertise in Pacific economic policy.
• Excellent analytical capability and sound judgement in ambiguous or fast-moving environments.
• Proven experience producing high-quality advice for senior leaders and Ministers, including experience working confidently across Cabinet processes and the machinery of government.
• Skilled relationship-builder who can work confidently with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to mentor others and lift policy capability across a team, and
• Must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

At time of application you 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. 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.

Email Jackie Johnson at jackie.johnson@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/18990 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on 9th February 2026 at 5pm.