Senior Policy Advisor

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Actively shape and lead policy advice on the Government’s role in tourism in Aotearoa.
• Join a dynamic, fun and collaborative team at the interface of Government and industry.
• Apply your expertise to complex and interesting policy issues in a fast-paced environment, while mentoring and coaching team members.
• 2 x roles available: 1 x Perm full time, 1 x 12-month maternity cover from 19th May 2025.
• Salary: $110K - $138K - Wellington CBD, KiwiSaver and Wellness Benefits. 

Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:

Tourism is New Zealand’s second largest export earner and is a significant sector in the Government’s goal to double the value of exports in ten years.  You will play a leading role in delivering an ambitious work programme, across issues such as how to best drive demand from international visitors and ensuring the industry has the workforce it needs, as well as supporting our engagement with international trade partners and multilateral forums. 

These roles will suit candidates who are comfortable dealing with ambiguity and working at pace delivering advice to Ministers. We work closely with a range of other agencies and industry stakeholders. Ideally, we are looking for someone that understands economics and data and can use those insights in our policy advice to Ministers. There is also the opportunity to support the development of team members through coaching and mentoring.
 

About the Team

In the Tourism Economy and Environment Policy team, we develop a deep understanding of the costs and benefits of tourism in New Zealand. We think strategically about the role of Government in supporting the growth of tourism in New Zealand and lead the Branch’s engagement with international partners and forums. We advise on how central government can invest effectively and partner with industry for impact. 

These roles sit in the Tourism and Hospitality Branch, within the Labour Science and Enterprise Group of MBIE. Our work drives Aotearoa’s economic transformation and shapes economic development thinking to create a more productive, sustainable, and inclusive economy. In an ambiguous and complex environment, we work in partnership to actively provide respected and frank advice, to influence and coordinate, and deliver policy solutions that work. 
 

Why work for us?

Developing our policy staff is a key focus for MBIE.  We have a culture where policy staff are empowered to bring fresh perspectives to issues and to think ‘outside the box’.  Being the largest ‘policy shop’ in NZ, MBIE offers significant opportunity for developing experience across a broad variety of areas. We encourage excellence and proactively support development through on-the-job learning, training courses, conferences and seminars, development programmes, secondments, rotations to other branches and study opportunities.

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana -

Skills and Experience Required
 

In this role you will bring your policy, relationship and delivery skills to support our work with key partners, while being supported to further develop your skills and experience. 

Experience in economic development policy would be valuable, as would experience in interpreting data and applying quantitative skills to produce insightful and evidence-based policy advice. Most important is the ability to think analytically and strategically through issues. An ability to engage effectively with sector stakeholders to influence outcomes is critical.
 
We are keen to hear from you if you:
 

• Are a strong critical thinker and problem solver.
• Can effectively lead and deliver complex projects and provide robust advice.
• Develop credible, respected relationships and engage with diverse stakeholders (including Ministers, staff in partner agencies, industry partners, and other key external stakeholders)
• Communicate complex issues clearly and coherently. 
• Have provided and want to further develop coaching and mentoring support to others.
• Have a positive, ‘can-do’ attitude and be flexible and adaptive to changes in requirements.
• Have the legal right to live and work in NZ.

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 tailored to the advert and PD outlining your interest and suitability for the role. 

Email Jackie Johnson at Jackie.johnson@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/17072 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on 22nd April at 10am