Kaitohutohu Matua | Senior Advisor Policy - Infrastructure Policy | Flexible

Job Description

Fixed Term or Secondment opportunity until end of June 2027

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.

Are you interested in developing infrastructure policy that will encourage the future investment and development of infrastructure in New Zealand?  This is an exciting opportunity if you would like to help develop the framework for enabling New Zealand's infrastructure, whilst ensuring environmental outcomes are front and centre.

Mō te tūranga mahi | About the role   

We are looking for an experienced Senior Policy Advisor to join our Infrastructure Policy team, where we design policy that balances development with sustainability.

Our team plays a critical role in shaping how infrastructure is planned and delivered across Aotearoa. We provide expert advice that influences national direction and major legislative reform – including the new Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill, which are in the process of replacing the Resource Management Act.

As a Senior Advisor, you will lead complex policy work that enables infrastructure delivery while meeting environmental objectives. You will work on high-profile projects that matter to New Zealand's future, including:

• Developing national instruments for infrastructure under the new planning system.
• Providing expert advice on how infrastructure can be provided for in key areas such as:
  • Regional Spatial Plans
  • Standardised plan content in district plans across New Zealand
  • Offshore wind infrastructure in the Coastal Marine Area
  • New national policy direction to underpin the future Planning Act and Natural Environment Act.
• Considering wider infrastructure policy, such as how planning for infrastructure needs to respond to natural hazards and climate resilience.
• Advising across government on policies that impact infrastructure delivery.

This is your opportunity to help set the rules of the game for infrastructure investment and development for decades to come. 

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience   

Our ideal candidate will bring: 

• Policy development experience, ideally in infrastructure or resource management practice in New Zealand or Australia.
• Knowledge and experience of the Resource Management Act, and in particular its implementation for infrastructure.
• Demonstrated leadership skills to guide workstreams and coach/mentor junior members of the team.
• Strong analytical, written and oral communication skills.
• A solid understanding of the machinery of government, and how to navigate it.
• An ability to work collaboratively across teams and agencies, and to clearly articulate complex programme processes and policy issues to support decisions.
• Collaboration skills and an ability to add positively to team culture.
• A good knowledge or experience of infrastructure and its setting in New Zealand would be an advantage.

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 Ngaire Howes at Ngaire.howes@mfe.govt.nz.  The position description is available via our careers centre www.mfe.govt.nz/jobs.  

We are open to a flexible location for this role is flexible, however, a Wellington based candidate is preferred.  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:   Tuesday, 14 April 2026