Kaitohutohu Matua | Senior Advisor - Quality of Policy Advice, Governance | Wellington

Job Description

Fixed Term or Secondment opportunity to 30 June 2026 (covering secondment)

Mō te tūranga mahi | About the role   

We are looking for an experienced Senior Advisor to join our Quality of Policy Advice function within the Governance team in the Office of Chief Executive.

The Office of the Chief Executive is the ‘front door' for the ministry, managing key external relationships with ministers and central Government agencies. You will join a team focused on raising the standards of policy advice, alongside providing internal and external governance advice to ministers and senior leaders.

It's an exciting time to join as we ramp up our programme to lift the quality of our advice and build long-term capability.

Working closely with our Principal Advisor, you will be responsible for delivering our Quality Assurance Panel, RIS Panel, and Lunch & Learn Sessions, and reporting on quality of advice to senior leaders.

You'll also identify opportunities for improvement and share your expertise with the wider organisation.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience   

Our ideal candidate will bring:

• A passion for developing and improving policy advice processes and systems.
• Strong understanding of machinery of government systems and processes.
• Excellent relationship management and engagement skills, quickly building credibility and trust with other teams and partners.
• The ability to think outside of the box and the confidence to challenge the status quo.
• Experience in writing clear, concise material at both a strategic and operational levels.
• Experience in developing policy advice to the highest levels.
• Familiarity with DPMC Policy Quality Framework a bonus.

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.     We will be progressing candidates to interview prior to the closing date so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

If you require further information about this position please contact Nicole Were at nicole.were@mfe.govt.nz.  The position description is available via our careers centre www.mfe.govt.nz/jobs.  

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, 30 September 2025