Senior Policy Advisor | Energy Markets

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Work on a nationally significant LNG project helping secure New Zealand’s energy future and reduce electricity risk
• Contribute to high-impact policy in a fast-paced environment, partnering with key stakeholders across government and industry
• Two 12-month full-time fixed-term opportunities available across Energy Markets Branch
• Wellington based – location is Wellington only
• Salary:  $110,098 – $138,028 + KiwiSaver

About the Role - Tēnei tūranga:

The Energy Markets Branch works to ensure New Zealand has secure, sustainable, and affordable energy.

In this role, you’ll contribute to policy analysis and provide advice on complex energy issues. You will also lead projects, guide teams, and support others’ development. Experience in the energy sector, economics, or working with data is helpful but not essential.

The LNG project is a top Government priority. It focuses on delivering infrastructure to reduce electricity risk in dry years and strengthen gas system resilience. This fast-paced programme includes work on procurement, legislation, operating models, and funding, with tight Cabinet timeframes.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of nationally significant work and collaborate with key stakeholders across the LNG programme.

About the Branch
 

We oversee the energy markets regulatory system to help power a productive and sustainable economy.

Our team is collaborative, fast-paced, and supportive, with strong opportunities to learn, share knowledge, and engage with stakeholders. We value diversity and create an environment where everyone can thrive and do their best work.

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana -

Skills and Experience Required

We are looking for motivated people with strong analytical and critical thinking skills, experience with primary or secondary legislation, who are comfortable with ambiguity, and able to deliver results.

Given the scope and pace of this work, these roles are best suited to candidates who can bring relevant policy experience and are comfortable contributing from day one.

 You will have the following skills and experience:

•    a relevant tertiary qualification 
•    knowledge of policy frameworks/principles/tools/approaches and experience in applying these to the analysis of policy issues and formulating high-quality policy advice
•    experience and knowledge of the energy sector is desirable, but not a requirement. Applicants with experience in energy sector regulation, distribution networks, or in legislative frameworks for resource management or health & safety, or in engineering, economics, quantitative analysis or innovation should highlight this in their application
•    ability to build requisite knowledge for different policy issues quickly drawing on information and evidence from multiple and diverse sources
•    excellent written and oral communication skills with an eye for detail
•    a collaborative approach to working with others and experience in working effectively with Ministers, public service officials, internal and external stakeholders
•    understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and application of these in public policy and in partnership with Māori
 

About MBIE - Ētahi kōrero mō 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 ahunga roa o ngā iwi, o ngāi Māori, me ētahi atu rōpū Māori ki te Karauna, ka tutuki 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 kaupapa kua 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.

How to Apply - Me pēhea te tono:

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 Monica Chow at monica.chow2@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/19794 if you have any further questions.

We are operating within a tight timeframe and will be reviewing and progressing applications as they are received. If this opportunity sounds like you, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. 

Apply now to be part of a high-impact programme shaping New Zealand’s energy future—don’t miss the opportunity to contribute to work of national significance.  Applications close on Tuesday 14th July 2026, at 11:59pm.

Applications close on Tuesday, 14th July at 11.59pm.