Kaitohutohu Matua | Senior Advisor - Resource Efficiency Policy | Flexible

Job Description

• Influence change for our environment
• High profile and exciting work
• Join our dedicated and supportive team 
• Fixed Term / Secondment until 26 June 2026

Be part of the solution to tackling Aotearoa New Zealand's waste problem!  

Mō tēnei tūrangi mahi | About the role

Tackling waste is a growing challenge with major implications for our environment, economy and how we live our lives.    

We are looking for an experienced Senior Policy Advisor to join our dynamic Resource Efficiency Policy team help lead and support important product stewardship mahi.

Engaging with a range of stakeholders, you will work alongside other Senior Policy Advisors and help to support, coach and mentor Policy Advisors within the team to support the policy development and getting the new Regulated Product Stewardship schemes up and running.

The role will provide you with an opportunity to work with subject matter experts to further develop your central government skills and develop knowledge in the product stewardship space as well as an opportunity to contribute more widely to improving our national approach to waste.  

This is an unique opportunity to be part of this exciting work programme that will make a difference to all New Zealanders and our environment.  

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience 

Our ideal candidate will bring:  

• 5+ years demonstrated experience in policy development and design
• strong project management skills
• experience in product stewardship and developing regulations will be an advantage
• proven experience delivering quality work in a fast-paced environment
• demonstrated skills in stakeholder management and engagement across diverse groups
• ability to use a range of analytical frameworks and draw on a range of inputs and evidence to problem-solve
• strong relationship management skills, quickly building credibility and trust
• commitment to developing your cultural capability and capacity in te ao Māori

Most importantly you will be passionate about looking for realistic and effective ways of achieving environmental outcomes that can engage all stakeholders. Project management and experience in the waste industry, sustainability or policy implementation knowledge would be an advantage. 

Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau | Salary range  

Salary range for this role is $108,976 to $132,277 pa.  Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience.  

Ngā hua ka puta i te mahi ki MfE | Benefits of working at MfE  

• a flexible working approach to embrace a healthy work-life blend 
• agile ways of working, allowing you variety and challenges across the organisation as we work as ‘One MfE' 
• active employee networks including Māori Rōpū, Asian Network, Neurodivergent and Disability Networks, Women's Network, Tagata Moana (Pacific Peoples' Network), and Rainbow Network 
• opportunities for development and education.           

Check out other benefits of joining us and hear what our people say about Working at MfE | Ministry for the Environment.  

Tono ināianei | Apply now  

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and cover letter.  Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.     

If you require further information about this position please contact annabelle.ellis@mfe.govt.nz.  The position description is available via our careers centre www.mfe.govt.nz/jobs.  

The location for this role is flexible which means you can work anywhere in New Zealand and there is an option to work from home.  As a flexible friendly employer, we are happy to discuss solutions that may work for you and the business.  We value and care about enabling our people to work in a way that means they can work at their best.   

We are committed to providing equal opportunities and actively strive to be a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture.  We actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.  We are proud to be a Rainbow Tick and Gender Tick certified organisation and are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.   

We want to ensure any accessibility needs you may have are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all.  Therefore, please let us know if there are any adjustments or support we can offer to make the recruitment process more accessible to you.  Please contact us at vacancy@mfe.govt.nz if you would like to discuss any accessibility needs you may have.  

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.  

Rā Katinga | Applications close:   Wednesday 9th July 2025