Policy Advisors - all levels (Energy Markets Branch)

Overview

Join the Energy Markets Branch at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and contribute to work that helps ensure New Zealanders have energy that is secure, affordable, and sustainable as the energy system evolves. This recruitment covers multiple policy roles across different levels, all located in Wellington, with secondment applications also welcomed.

Roles available

• Associate Policy Advisor: 1 fixed-term role for 12 months
• Policy Advisor: 4 permanent roles and 1 fixed-term role for 12 months
• Senior Policy Advisor: 3 fixed-term roles for 5, 12, and 18 months
• Principal Policy Advisor: 1 fixed-term role for 12 months

Appointments are generally made at up to the midpoint of the salary band, depending on the candidate’s experience.

About the role

The Energy Markets Branch leads a major programme of policy work focused on maintaining a secure, sustainable, and affordable energy supply for New Zealand. In these positions, you may lead or contribute to complex policy analysis and prepare high-quality, evidence-based advice. Senior-level roles also involve supporting and developing other team members through coaching and mentoring.

MBIE works flexibly to deliver government priorities, so although you will be placed in a home team, you may be expected to contribute across different teams and projects within the branch. The current vacancies sit across the Energy Use, Electricity Markets, and Electrify NZ policy teams, supporting advice on topics such as energy efficiency, regulatory oversight, electricity market security of supply, network efficiency, and offshore wind legislation.

About the branch

The Energy Markets Branch is responsible for the regulatory system for energy markets, which plays an important part in supporting a productive and sustainable economy. The branch offers a fast-moving, supportive, and collaborative environment, with peer learning, policy forums, cross-team collaboration, and opportunities to engage with stakeholders.

MBIE values diversity of background and thinking and aims to create a workplace where people feel they belong and can perform at their best.

Salary

• Associate Policy Advisor: NZ$63,278 to NZ$68,380
• Policy Advisor: NZ$75,114 to NZ$84,419
• Senior Policy Advisor: NZ$110,098 to NZ$124,063
• Principal Policy Advisor: NZ$132,417 to NZ$146,445

What we are looking for

You should be a motivated policy professional with strong analytical and critical thinking abilities, comfortable working through ambiguity, and capable of delivering practical outcomes. Experience with primary or secondary legislation is beneficial, along with the ability to rapidly build subject knowledge and turn evidence from multiple sources into sound policy advice.

For senior roles, you will need a proven record of working effectively with public service officials, internal teams, external stakeholders, and potentially Ministers.

Energy sector experience is helpful for some positions but not mandatory. Candidates are encouraged to mention any exposure to electricity markets, numerical analysis, engineering, economics, technical disciplines, or law.

Capabilities and approach

The role requires a collaborative style, strong written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and how they apply in public policy and partnership with Māori.

About MBIE

MBIE works to build a resilient and high-performing economy that improves quality of life for people across New Zealand. The organisation does this by supporting productivity, international competitiveness, improved job opportunities, and more affordable housing. Its values are Mahi Tahi (Better Together), Māia (Bold and brave), Pae Kahurangi (Build our Future), and Pono Me Te Tika (Own It). MBIE also carries the Māori identity Hīkina Whakatutuki, meaning “lifting to make successful”.

MBIE recognises and is committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and continues to strengthen enduring partnerships with iwi, Māori, other Māori organisations, and the Crown to support economic and social development and create opportunities for iwi leadership.

How to apply

Applications must be made through the organisation’s online application process. The portal will ask you to indicate which role level you are applying for — Associate Policy Advisor, Policy Advisor, Senior Policy Advisor, or Principal Policy Advisor — and whether you are open to fixed-term, permanent, or either type of appointment.

If you have questions, contact Monica Chow at Monica.Chow2@mbie.govt.nz and quote reference MBIE/19792.

Applications close at 11:59 pm on 26 July 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so early submission is encouraged.