Senior Policy Advisor
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
Wellington, Wellington Region, New Zealand · Full Time
Be the first to apply
- Experience
- 3+ yrs
- Salary
- NZD 110,098 – NZD 138,028 / year
- Openings
- 1
- Posted
- 5 days ago
- Work mode
- In office
- Eligibility
- Candidates with at least 3 years of central government policy experience are encouraged to apply. The role is based in Wellington Central and is intended for policy professionals who can operate in a high-profile government environment.
- Resume
- Required to apply
Where you'll work
Job description
Role overview
MBIE is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor to join a policy team working on major issues that influence how work is regulated in New Zealand. This is a permanent, full-time role based in Wellington Central, offering high-impact policy work in a fast-moving environment.
The salary range for this position is $110,098 to $138,028, plus KiwiSaver and wellness benefits.
What the role involves
In this position, you will contribute to complex and high-profile policy matters that have a direct effect on New Zealand’s future. You will use strong policy judgement and influence to advise Ministers, agencies, and stakeholders with solutions that are practical, well tested, and grounded in the real world.
The work requires confidence in a changing political environment and a solid understanding of legislation, policy development processes, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. You will also help strengthen the capability of the wider team by coaching colleagues and sharing your experience.
Examples of the work you may take on include leading advice for Select Committee review, helping develop legislation tied to Ministerial priorities, and working with regulators to support effective implementation of new laws.
About the teams and branch
You may work across the Employment Relations Policy Team or the Accident Compensation Policy team. The Employment Relations Policy Team sits at the centre of employment law and deals with matters such as collective bargaining, dispute resolution, personal grievances, and pay equity. The work is high-profile, fast paced, and requires careful handling of competing priorities. The team is collaborative, supportive, and works closely together.
The Accident Compensation Policy team advises the Minister on the legislation and regulations that underpin the Accident Compensation Scheme and works with the Accident Compensation Corporation, which delivers the scheme. The policy area connects social, economic, and health policy, and helps support accident prevention, rehabilitation, and compensation for people in New Zealand. Senior advisers in this team are expected to design and lead projects while also helping advisers build their policy capability.
The wider Workplace Relations and Safety Policy branch leads government work on how employment is regulated in New Zealand. Its advice affects everyday life through areas such as minimum wage, employment standards, parental leave, migrant exploitation, health and safety, and ACC settings. The branch operates in a team-based, non-hierarchical way, with regular access to Ministers and senior stakeholders. It offers strong development opportunities and exposure to both policy design and operational implementation.
Skills and experience needed
This role is suited to someone with at least 3 years of experience in central government policy who enjoys working through complex issues and producing high-quality advice.
You should bring experience in shaping policy advice in a government setting, strong analytical ability, sound judgement, and the confidence to build relationships and influence a broad range of stakeholders. Experience working with Ministers, senior officials, and partner organisations is also important.
It would be an advantage to have experience in regulatory policy or a legal background. A good understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how it applies in public policy is valued, along with familiarity with economic principles and the New Zealand context. You should also be comfortable leading workstreams, working through ambiguity, and helping others develop their policy skills.
About MBIE
MBIE aims to support a resilient, high-performing economy that improves the quality of life for all New Zealanders. It works with others to create conditions that help businesses become more productive and internationally competitive, support better job opportunities, and improve housing affordability.
The organisation’s values are Mahi Tahi – Better Together, Māia – Bold and Brave, Pae Kahurangi – Build our Future, and Pono Me Te Tika – Own It. Its Māori identity, Hīkina Whakatutuki, reflects the idea of lifting to make successful.
MBIE recognises and is committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to building enduring, meaningful, and effective partnerships with iwi, Māori, other Māori organisations, and the Crown. It also aims to support economic and social development for Māori and for Aotearoa New Zealand as a whole.
How to apply
To apply, submit a CV and cover letter explaining why you are a strong match for the role. Applications must be made through the organisation’s online application process. If you have questions, you may contact Dorinda Te Kiri at dorinda.tekiri@mbie.govt.nz and quote reference MBIE/19765. Applications close on 12 July 2026.
Additional information
This position is a permanent full-time opportunity in Wellington Central. The role includes a salary package of $110,098 to $138,028 plus KiwiSaver and wellness benefits.