Senior Advisor - Policy - Adaptation Legislation | Flexible
| Category: | Policy |
| Position Type: | Permanent Full Time |
| Attachments: | Senior Advisor - Policy - PD (2).pdf (PDF, 240KB) |
| Application Close Date: | 01-Mar-2026 |
Job Description
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
We are seeking experienced Senior Policy Analysts to fill several roles within the Adaptation Business Unit. We are currently recruiting for one permanent Senior Policy Analyst role and several fixed-term opportunities through to either the end of June 2026 or 8 October 2026. Please indicate which role you are interested in, in your cover letter.
The Adaptation Business Unit is the Government's lead advisor on adaptation issues, providing advice on how Aotearoa New Zealand can prepare for the challenges of climate change. We are seeking to help to deliver on the Government's National Adaptation Framework.
We are looking for people who can work effectively within an established team and contribute to work that is already at an advanced stage. This is challenging, varied, and fast-paced work. Fixed term opportunities exist for policy professionals demonstrated experience in applying Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te ao Māori perspectives into policy design, or expertise relating to Māori land issues.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
We are looking for candidates who can bring all or some of the following:
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Strong analytical skills and excellent written and oral science communication skills
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Ability to connect with others, apply influencing skills, and build relationships
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Understanding of how climate change impacts the economy (economics background welcome but not essential)
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Knowledge of, and commitment to, developing your cultural capability and capacity in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te ao Māori perspectives.
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At least five years' experience in central or local government policy development
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Comfort working with ambiguity and adaptability to changing priorities
Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau | Salary range
Salary range for this role is $108,796 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 Sally Morison at sally.morison@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: Sunday 1st March 2026 @ 5pm
