Policy Advisor | Flexible

Job Description

Mō tēnei tūrangi maha | About this role

Tackling waste is a growing challenge with major implications for our environment, economy and how we live our lives. We can solve our waste problem by becoming more efficient with the resources we use.  We know that New Zealanders are with us as reducing waste was rated as one of the most important challenges facing New Zealand over the next 20 years.

The aim is to reduce the environmental harm of waste and provide economic, social and cultural benefits for New Zealand. To achieve this, the Waste Minimisation Act 2008, imposes a national levy on all waste disposed of in landfills to generate funding to help local government, communities and businesses minimise waste. The Government has increased and expanded the waste disposal levy to divert more material from landfills. It will use the revenue gathered from the levy for resource recovery and waste minimisation and other projects or activities which reduce environmental harm or increase environmental benefits.

We have an opportunity for kaimahi to step into an Advisor role in the Waste Operations Team – Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement function. The Waste Operations Team ensures compliance with the Waste Minimisation Act (WMA) and associated regulations (notably the regulated product stewardship scheme for Tyres “Tyrewise”), 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.

You will be responsible for supporting the Senior and Principal Advisors in providing 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.  You will also support the other functions of the team as required; specifically related to regulated product stewardship for tyres, compliance monitoring and audits of disposal facility operators, territorial authority waste minimisation and levy spending, and the waste minimisation fund.

This will require someone with an ability to be agile and adaptive to support these multiple work areas.  

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

Our ideal candidate will possess:

• Recognised qualification and/or experience working with legislation in a regulatory environment.
• Operational experience in the waste sector and/or a working understanding of the Waste Minimisation Act.
• Stakeholder engagement and conflict management.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, including risk assessment and analysis
• Familiarity with IT systems and platforms.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to developing your cultural capability and capacity in te ao Māori

Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau | Salary range

Salary range for this role is $80,712 to $97,721 pa. Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience. 

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 the position, please contact miranda.cross@mfe.govt.nz

Rā Katinga | Applications close: Sunday 1 March @ 11.59pm