Senior Policy Advisor

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE Shape the decisions that shape New Zealand. Not many jobs let you influence laws, advise Ministers, and help shape the future of work. This one does. At MBIE, we're looking for talented policy professionals ready to step into work that matters. Whether it's supporting safer workplaces, improving employment relations and standards, or shaping the future of ACC, you'll work on issues that affect millions of New Zealanders every day. This is a chance to move beyond business‑as‑usual policy work and join a team at the centre of some of Government's most important decisions. Permanent full-time | Wellington CBD $110,098 - $138,028 + KiwiSaver + wellness benefits About the Role - Tēnei tūranga: Why this role? Because you'll have the opportunity to do work that most people spend years waiting to do. You'll: Advise Ministers on high‑profile policy issues Help shape legislation and major Government priorities Influence decisions that affect workplaces across New Zealand Work directly with senior leaders, regulators and stakeholders Lead your own pieces of work and see them through to implementation Be trusted with responsibility from day one Grow your leadership skills by mentoring others and sharing your expertise This is policy work with real visibility, real ownership, and real impact. Your next Challenge awaits in Employment Relations Policy. Want to shape the rules that define how New Zealand works? This team works on some of the country's most debated and visible employment issues, including: Bargaining Workplace issues such as personal grievances Pay transparency and equity Employment dispute resolution It's fast‑paced, complex and often in the public spotlight. You'll help solve challenging problems, balance competing perspectives, and contribute to decisions that impact workers and employers nationwide. Skills and Experience Required - Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana - What you’ll bring We're looking for people who are already making their mark in policy and are ready for their next challenge. You’ll likely have: Around 3+ years of central government policy experience Strong analytical and critical thinking skills The ability to turn complex problems into practical solutions Confidence engaging with senior leaders and diverse stakeholders Excellent written and verbal communication skills Curiosity, initiative and good judgement You’ll stand out if you also have: Regulatory policy experience A legal background Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in public policy Knowledge of economic policy and the New Zealand context Experience leading work programmes or coaching others The best part ? You’ll join a branch that works differently. We're collaborative, supportive and focused on outcomes rather than hierarchy. You'll be surrounded by smart people who enjoy tackling complex challenges and helping each other succeed. At MBIE, you’ll get exposure to work that matters, leaders who invest in your development, and opportunities to build a career that can take you anywhere across the public sector. If you’re looking for a role where your work will be noticed, your ideas will be valued, and your impact will be felt across New Zealand, we'd love to hear from you. 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. Applications close 21 August 2026 #J-18808-Ljbffr