Principal Policy Advisor

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Actively contribute to delivering the Government priority to enable and grow New Zealand’s biotech sector.
• Further develop and grow your policy expertise working in a high-profile area of reform.
• Salary: $132,417 - $160,472, Permanent, +KiwiSaver, +Wellness Benefits, Wellington CBD.

Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:

We are seeking a high-performing, experienced Principal Policy Advisor to join our Biotech Policy and Regulation team. You will play a key role in our work programme: developing, implementing and advising on initiatives to grow our biotechnology sector and other emerging tech sectors. A current focus of the team is a once-in-a-generation reform of New Zealand’s gene technology legislation..

You will be part of MBIE’s Technology and Innovation Branch which works to enable growth of new businesses and emerging sectors that will shape New Zealand’s future economic performance. You will work closely with science policy, science investments, and economic development teams, as well as engaging with our delivery partners, including Public Research Organisations, businesses, investors, and universities, among others.  

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana -

Skills and Experience Required
 

We are keen to hear from you if you have: 

• Wide-ranging knowledge of policy development disciplines and processes.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, with proven experience in delivering robust policy advice.
• Experience leading complex policy work programmes within central government.
• Strong stakeholder relationship-building, influencing and engagement skills to gain the cooperation and commitment of others.
• Demonstrated capability in engagement with Ministers, senior public service officials, internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience and passion in leading and coaching others to develop their policy craft and further their careers.
• You must be a New Zealand Citizen or hold a resident class visa.

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/19287 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on 22nd April 2026 at 5pm.