Kaitohutohu Mātāmua | Principal Advisor | Flexible

Job Description

Fixed Term or Secondment opportunity to 27 November 2026

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 te tūranga mahi | About the role   

Join the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) and help shape Aotearoa New Zealand's new resource management system.

We are seeking an experienced Principal Advisor to provide strategic leadership and policy expertise within the Environmental Management and Adaptation (EMA) business group.

Reporting to the General Manager, Natural Environment Policy, you will play a central role in coordinating policy development and ensuring alignment across a range of national instruments being developed to implement the Natural Environment Bill.

You will assist the leadership team to deliver high-quality, practical instruments relating to limit-setting and a range of government priorities.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience   

Our ideal candidate will bring a mix of the following skills and experience: 

• Expertise in resource management policy development and implementation.
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to navigate complex legislative frameworks.
• Proven leadership in coordinating cross-team initiatives and delivering results in a fast-paced working environment.
• An ability to sequence, prioritise, and lead the delivery of a large programme of work.
• An understanding of Te tiriti, the Crown's obligations under te tiriti, and MfE's role as a treaty partner – particularly in the context resource management and planning.

Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau | Salary range  

Salary range for this role is $142,185 to $172,853 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 Ngaire.howes@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, 12 January 2026