Kaitohutohu Mātāmua | Principal Advisors (multiple roles) | Flexible

Job Description

Fixed term or Secondment opportunities until end of June 2026

• Collaborative team environment
• High profile and exciting work
• Flexible working 

Mō te tūranga mahi | About the roles

The Partnerships/Investments & Enablement Group within MfE have a stewardship role in translating policy into action on the ground. Our key focus is on working with key partners and stakeholders, including Māori/Iwi, local government and industry to identify outcomes, and bring together diversity of thinking coupled with different perspectives to find solutions.  The Ministry has undergone significant transformation recently, with a new structure and operating model to support a more integrated, agile way of working.

The roles sit within the System Enablement and Oversight business unit.  The purpose of our unit is to collaborate with Councils and stakeholders to build capability, drive effective implementation, and uphold the credibility of the environmental management system.

These roles have been created as a direct result of the significant workload associated with the RM Reform work within the Ministry, and the increase in our functions under the Fast Track Approvals Act.

There are roles available across the business unit (including reporting to the GM).  In your application, please indicate if there is a team you would prefer to work in.

System Oversight:

The System Oversight team is focused on stewardship of the current environmental management system. Largely focused on the performance of councils, the team's functions include:

• Core advisory role to the Minister on implementation issues within the current RM system
• Maintain system oversight and performance functions, including RM reform alignment
• Lead transitional consenting work relating to RM reform
• The team will support implementation of a fit-for-purpose system performance and monitoring approach in the new RM system.
• Provide clarity and coordination for stakeholders through RM3 transition
• Collaborate closely with other parts of the business to solve issues

System Enablement:

The System Enablement team is the conduit between policy and practice. Their key roles include:

• Support effective implementation of reforms across internal and external stakeholders
• Provide input on regulatory and legislative changes, with a focus on practical application
• Engage early in policy development to advise on implementation considerations
• Core team delivering RM3 implementation (including operationalising the set-up of new institutions and supporting other areas of business with their implementation work (e.g. digital enablement)
• Support for implementation of RM2 and National Direction
• Help users prepare for and operate within the new system
• Advise on initiatives to accelerate system readiness and uptake (e.g., decision-making processes, training, guidance)

System Tools:

System Tools leads larger-scale system interventions that enable others to deliver. It is currently focused on the Freshwater Farm Plan system and Risk Index Tool but will be picking up more work in the RM space as we move to implement. Key functions include:

• Operating at a programme level with multiple coordinated workstreams.
• Lead large-scale, multi-workstream interventions within the system
• Strong emphasis on partnerships and industry engagement – this team excels at bringing a rural and regional mindset and perspective.
• Support delivery of complex initiatives such as the Freshwater Farm Plan and Risk Index Tool
• Provide scalable implementation support as new policy initiatives are introduced
• Practical, implementation-focused team with a pragmatic mindset

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience   

We are looking for Principal Advisors with a variety of skills sets that complement each other and the work programme. 

Ideally, you will possess demonstrated experience and proficiency in one or more of the following:

• In-depth understanding of and experience with the RMA, particularly as is related to local government (across urban and natural environment planning, policy, implementation and modelling)
• Implementing policy into practice within central and/or local government settings
• Relationship and stakeholder management skills (internal and external facing)
• Strong policy writing skills, including drafting advice, legislation and regulations.
• Experience of machinery of government processes (e.g. Select Committee)
• Experience in business case development, procurement, and programme management.

In addition, all roles will require individuals to demonstrate competence across several  generic skillsets:

• A pragmatic, agile systems-thinker with the ability to navigate ambiguity, learn quickly, and deliver strategically across competing priorities at pace.
• Proven ability to build credible relationships and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including Māori and local government.
• Proven organisational skills with the ability to work independently, think ahead, prioritise, and meet deadlines while preserving high levels of accuracy and confidentiality.
• Proven ability to review and synthesise information, and draw inference about the alignment of applications and council plans with legislation.
• Strong understanding of consenting and plan making, ability to draft advice, correspondence, OIA responses, and assist with advice for Ministers.
• Strong written / verbal communication and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to teamwork and collaboration.
• A willingness to adopt continuous improvement (i.e reflect on what has worked, what hasn't and what the lessons are in a constructive way) and take on the ideas of others.
• Experience in mentoring /teaching other team members: Ability to act as a coach or mentor to junior analysts, both as part of their development and as a project leader, reviewing work, providing quality control and identifying development opportunities.

Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau | Salary range  

Salary range: $140,222 to $170,467 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:

• Due to the high workloads associated with the RM Reform programme, applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the hiring panel will commence interviews as appropriate applicants apply.
• 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 the role.

If you require further information about these position, please contact gina.mcgrath@mfe.govt.nz (General Manager), macaela.flanagan@mfe.govt.nz (Manager: System Oversight), or terrena.kelly@mfe.govt.nz (Manager: System Enablement).

The position description is available via our careers centre www.mfe.govt.nz/jobs.  

The location 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:   Tuesday, 22 July 2025