Kaitohutohu Matua | Senior Advisor - Fast Track | Flexible

Job Description

• Fixed Term / Secondment until June 2026 
• 2 Positions

This role is a fixed term position in response to increased demand within our high priority work programmes. We are surging in people and resources in response to these priorities.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role    

Join the Ministry for the Environment and play a pivotal role in embedding a new function to implement and deliver processes under the new Fast-track Approvals Act. This fixed-term opportunity offers the chance to work at pace in a dynamic environment, collaborating across government to deliver impactful outcomes. Be part of shaping and driving a new, high-priority initiative that will help streamline and accelerate approvals for significant projects across New Zealand.

Reporting to the Manager, Fast-track Operations, this role will provide strategic guidance and operational deliverables under the Fast Track Approvals legislation. Assess applications for Ministerial referral, coordinate with multiple agencies and stakeholders to delivery timely and high-quality advice to Ministers and senior leaders.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

• Experience in central and local government with experience in administering fast-track legislation or similar legislation (e.g. RMA).
• Experience in the implementation of a new function or major programme
• Ability to work at pace, through significant change and ambiguity and delivery quality advice for decision makers
• Degree in environmental science, geography, resource management, planning, engineering, environmental law or related field.
• For one of the roles it will be essential for experience in workflow prioritisation, management and reporting.

For 1 of the roles it would be highly advantageous to have experience in:

• Understanding of Treaty settlements and other relevant arrangements, in particular resource management redress
• Understanding of Ngā Rohe Moana o Ngā Hapū o Ngāti Porou Act 2019 and Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011
• Demonstrated knowledge of iwi/hapū rohe/areas of interest

Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau | Salary range  

Salary range for this role is $110,501 to $134,128 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 stephanie.frame@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.  

Note: for internal permanent kaimahi who are applying for a secondment, you must speak with your Manager before submitting your application.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:   Monday 28th October 2025