Senior Policy Advisor | Infrastructure and Environment

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Work across MBIE on a mix of high-profile infrastructure and environment policy issues
• Lead advice on the resource management system and other complex policy challenges 
• Be part of a high-performing team that has a supportive culture, focused on giving people the opportunities they need to develop their career
• Permanent position based in Wellington
• Salary range: $110,098 - $138,028 plus KiwiSaver and wellness benefit

Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:

The Infrastructure and Environment Team provides coordinated, system-level advice on environmental, resource management and infrastructure issues that are critical to New Zealand’s long-term economic performance. We work across MBIE and with partner agencies to support high quality, practical and forward looking policy development.

We’re looking for a high-performing Senior Policy Advisor who can bring an economic lens to a broad range of complex policy challenges. You will contribute to and lead projects across a range of interesting and influential policy areas including:

• Representing MBIE’s interests in the resource management system, including the finalisation and implementation of the Natural Environment Act and Planning Act
• Climate change policy, including the NZ Emissions Trading Scheme, emissions reduction settings, and advice on adaptation to the physical impacts of climate change
• Providing analysis and advice on the implementation of the Fast Track Approvals Act
• Delivering high quality strategic advice to MBIE’s Senior Leadership Team and to Ministers

You will also bring flexibility to support other priorities across the Communications, Infrastructure and Trade Branch and the wider Building, Resources and Markets Group. For example, this may include providing economic or analytical support to the Trade and Supply Chains team, which administers New Zealand’s trade remedies system to ensure fair import competition for New Zealand industry.

About the Team

We sit within the Communications, Infrastructure and Trade Branch and the wider Building, Resources and Markets Group. We’re a collaborative, high-performing team that values diverse perspectives, sound analysis, and a supportive environment where people can grow their skills and influence real world outcomes.

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

We are looking for an experienced Senior Policy Advisor who can confidently navigate complex problems, work in ambiguity, and produce high-quality, influential policy advice.

Ideally, you will bring:

• A good base of experience in public policy as a Senior Policy Advisor
• Strong knowledge of policy development disciplines and processes
• Strong stakeholder relationship building, influencing and engagement skills to gain the cooperation and commitment of others
• The ability to work through ambiguity and deliver results
• A commitment to developing the capability and expertise of others through coaching and mentoring
• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and application of these in public policy and in partnership with Māori
• Experience with the resource management system and current reforms is an advantage, but not essential if you can quickly get up to speed on new policy areas

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 Marie Manley at marie.manley3@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/17822 if you have any further questions.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Thursday, 5th March.