Senior Policy Advisor

New Zealand Government

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

Work across the CIT Branch on a mix of high-profile infrastructure and environment policy issues and trade remedies investigations
Bring an analytical, evidence-based lens to complex policy and regulatory challenges, from the resource management system to ensuring fair import competition
Join a high-performing, supportive team that works closely with senior leaders and Ministers
Permanent full-time role, Wellington-based location preferred
Salary range: $110,098 - $138,028 plus KiwiSaver and wellness benefits

Tenei turanga - About the Role

We're looking for a high-performing Senior Policy Advisor to work across the Communications, Infrastructure and Trade Branch on a varied portfolio of policy and regulatory issues that are critical to New Zealand's economic performance and resilience.

This role sits within the Infrastructure and Environment team and works closely with colleagues across the branch, including the Trade and Supply Chains / Trade Remedies function.

Over the coming months, the balance of work will be responsive to branch priorities. A key part of the role will be contributing analytical and policy capability to the Trade Remedies programme, which investigates and takes action on dumping and subsidisation of imported products under domestic legislation and World Trade Organisation agreements. Alongside this, you will contribute to the Infrastructure and Environment team's coordinated, system-level advice on environmental, resource management and infrastructure issues.

Key responsibilities will include:

Delivering high-quality strategic advice to MBIE senior leaders and Ministers, including on complex and time-sensitive issues
Supporting trade remedies investigations through evidence-based analysis, drafting and quality assurance of advice and investigation materials, and engagement with stakeholders
Representing MBIE's interests in the resource management system, including the finalisation and implementation of the Natural Environment Act and Planning Act
Contributing to climate change policy advice, including NZ ETS settings, emissions reduction, and adaptation advice
Providing analysis and advice on implementation of the Fast Track Approvals Act

About the Teams

Infrastructure and Environment

The Infrastructure and Environment team provides coordinated, system-level advice on environmental, resource management and infrastructure issues and works across MBIE and with partner agencies to support high quality, practical and forward-looking policy development.

Trade and Supply Chains / Trade Remedies

The Trade and Supply Chains team administers New Zealand's trade remedies system, investigating and taking action on dumping and subsidisation of imported products under domestic legislation and World Trade Organisation agreements. It engages with industry (domestic and foreign), other government agencies, foreign governments and international organisations.

Nga pukenga me nga wheako e hiahiatia ana - Skills and Experience Required

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

Ideally, you will bring:

Strong policy development skills and experience delivering quality advice in complex environments
The ability to manage ambiguity, make sound judgements, and maintain momentum in high-profile work programmes
Strong stakeholder relationship-building and influencing skills, including comfort working with senior leaders and Ministers
Clear and concise written and oral communication skills, with the ability to tailor advice for different audiences
Comfort working with quantitative analytical frameworks and tools (e.g., Excel) and interpreting evidence and (ideally) business information
A commitment to developing the capability of others through coaching and mentoring
An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and how to apply these in public policy and in partnership with Maori

Experience in any of the following is an advantage (but not essential):

Trade remedies; investigative work involving financial/accounting information; competition or market analysis; regulatory environments; trade policy; economic or legal frameworks
Experience with the resource management system and current reforms (or the ability to get up to speed quickly in new policy areas)

Other requirements:

The legal right to live and work in New Zealand and the ability to gain and maintain a national security clearance (confidential)

Etahi korero mo 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
Maia - Bold and brave
Pae Kahurangi - Build our Future
Pono Me Te Tika - Own It

Our aspirations are echoed in our Maori identity - Hikina Whakatutuki - which broadly means `lifting to make successful'.

MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Maori 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, Maori, other Maori groups/organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Maori 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 Maori 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 mohio ana a Hikina Whakatutuki i puea ake te kotuinga I waenganui i a ngai Maori me te Karauna i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, a, kei te whai ia ki te whakau ake i Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Ma te whai kiko o nga kotuinga ahunga roa o nga iwi, o ngai Maori, me etahi atu ropu Maori ki te Karauna, ka tutuki tenei. He ahuatanga nui tenei e ahei ai nga mahi whanaketanga a-ohanga, a-papori hoki ki a ngai Maori me Aotearoa whanui. E whai tonu ana matou ki te kotui atu ki nga iwi mo te rapu huarahi hou ki te whakaara i nga kaupapa kua roa nei e tami ana i a ngai Maori me Aotearoa whanui, a, e whai ana hoki ki te tautohu i nga aheinga kokiritanga ma nga iwi, me te tautoko i nga iwi kia whai mana ake ai enei aheinga.

Click here to view a position description.

All applications must be submitted via our online process and include a Cover Letter and CV outlining your interest and suitability for the role.

Email Monica Chow at ***email_hidden*** quoting ref MBIE/19712 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on Tuesday, 30th June 2026, at 11:59pm.