Kaitohutohu Matua | Senior Advisor - Policy - RM Policy & Spatial Planning (2 roles) | Wellington

Job Description

Fixed Term or Secondment opportunities to 30 June 2026

These roles are fixed term positions in response to increased demand within our high priority work programmes. We are surging in people and resources in response to these priorities.

Mō te tūranga mahi | About the role   

We are looking for two experienced Senior Policy Advisors to join the RM Policy and Spatial Planning team.

The RM Policy and Spatial Planning team are responsible for policy to deliver the government's spatial planning objectives. The team also has broader capacity and capability to support the wider resource management policy work programme.    

This includes:

• Leading policy analysis and supporting the work of more junior team members.
• Leading the development of policy advice to the Minister and/or a range of related products. Policy work over the coming months include developing national direction needed to support spatial planning, this will include the development of policy direction and standards. The team is also leading a project to determine central governments priorities and involvement in regional spatial planning processes.
• Providing input into a range of products and processes needed as part of legislative process for the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill (e.g. departmental report, select committee process, Ministerial talking points).
• Internal and external stakeholder engagement as part of developing and testing policy. Our work involves close working with a number of government agencies and local government.

The Senior Policy Advisor will be responsible for supporting some of the above work programmes.

One of the senior positions will have a focus on the national direction work programme, and the other senior position will have a focus on central government's involvement in spatial planning processes.

This is a great opportunity to share your expertise and build capability within the team.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience   

Our ideal candidate will bring:

• strong critical thinking and policy development skills, including experience leading policy analysis and writing briefings to Ministers
• solid understanding of machinery of government
• strong written and oral communication skills
• skilled in mentoring and coaching junior team members
• ability to liaise across work programmes and with a range of different stakeholders
• capable of working autonomously while also collaborating effectively
• good attention to detail.

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 Sam Tendeter at Sam.Tendeter@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:   Monday, 3 November 2025