Kaitohutohu | Advisor - Policy - Adaptation (3 roles) | Wellington

Job Description

Mō te tūranga mahi | About the roles

We are looking for three experienced Policy Advisors to join the Adaptation Business Unit to help deliver policy advice, and support the legislative process to deliver the National Adaptation Framework. 

The roles sit within the Adaptation Legislation/Adaptation Policy and Adaptation Systems teams respectively.

The roles will have a focus on: 

• development of policy advice and evidence base to support decisions for the National Adaptation framework through the next stages of the work, including the development of regulations to support implementation of the Adaptation Framework and the Planning Act
• preparing for and supporting the legislative process for legislative amendments needed to progress the framework
• coordinating across the business unit and across government to ensure that policy teams and agencies are working effectively together.   

You will be joining collaborative, warm, high-performing teams who have a lot of fun.

This is an opportunity for you to play a key role to influence positive change to guide how Aotearoa New Zealand will build resilience to a changing climate.  

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience   

Our ideal candidate will bring:

• 2-3 year's experience in policy development, analysis and regulatory systems within central government
• strong written and oral communication skills
• excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to foster good stakeholder relationships
• proven organisational skills with the ability to work independently, think ahead, prioritise, and meet deadlines while preserving high levels of accuracy and confidentiality
• a can-do attitude with ability to work effectively as a team player while working in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment
• knowledge of, and commitment to, developing your cultural capability and capacity in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te ao Māori perspectives
• a tertiary qualification, certification or experience in public policy, finance or economics is desirable.

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.  

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.  

The location for one of the roles is flexible which means you can work anywhere in New Zealand and there is an option to work from home.  Two roles are Wellington based only.

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.  

Rā Katinga | Applications close:   Sunday, 2 November 2025