Principal Advisor | Flexible

Job Description

• This role is a fixed term position through to end of June 2026

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role 

The two Waste Operations Teams ensure compliance with regulations under the Waste Minimisation Act (WMA) and all activities associated with the administration, compliance, monitoring and enforcement of the waste disposal levy.   The teams also provide input into the development and implementation of related policy.

The purpose of the role is to lead advice on operational policy development and implementation processes, including the preparation and drafting of policy documents and ad hoc policy advice, as delegated by the two Waste Operations Managers in co-operation with relevant policy teams and external parties. 

Provide expert technical advice to management, colleagues, government agencies, private industry, Māori, and the wider public regarding policy issues and front engagement with the Minister when required.

Knowledge of compliance, monitoring, and enforcement functions is required, and knowledge of the WMA is desired. 

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience  

• Highly developed conceptual and analytical skills and experiences in developing and implementing workable solutions to ambiguous and complex problems in a compliance monitoring and enforcement environment
• Proven ability to lead complex implementation programmes to achieve stakeholder compliance 
• Lead advice on operational policy development and implementation processes, including the preparation and drafting of policy, compliance and enforcement documents and ad hoc policy advice, as delegated by the two Waste Operations Managers in co-operation with organisational, national and international working parties
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbal.   

Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau | Salary range  

Salary range for this role is $142,185 to $172,853pa.  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 Nadine Eales at Nadine.eales1@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 22 February @ 11.59pm