Kaitohutohu Mātāmua | Principal Advisor - Climate Change Interdepartmental Executive Board | Wellington

Job Description

Fixed Term or Secondment opportunity to end of June 2026

Mō te tūranga mahi | About the role   

The Climate Change Interdepartmental Executive Board Unit (Climate IEB Unit) leads and coordinates support for the Government's climate change interagency governance system.

It serves as the secretariat for the cross-agency Climate IEB, comprising of nine departmental Chief Executives who are collectively tasked with advising ministers (the Climate Priorities Ministerial Group, or CPMG) on the Government's response to climate change.

The IEB Unit monitors and reports on implementation progress of New Zealand's climate mitigation and adaptation plans, and progress towards climate goals and targets. Our work programme is centred around the quarterly Government Target 9 reporting (which the PM has a keen interest in), and the annual ‘adaptive management' process to manage any risks to meeting the second emissions budget.

The IEB Unit has an exciting opportunity to help further develop and shape the governance of natural hazards in New Zealand. This role has been created to help lead this process. The role will also work across the climate portfolio as required.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading work to develop and embed the natural hazard function including governance mechanisms and strategic intentions;
• Leading delivery of the Boards monitoring reports;
• Providing policy advice to the Boards as required.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience   

In this role, you will need to be fully aware of the political, external and historical drivers; and assist senior advisors and ultimately decision-makers to understand the ways in which day-to-day work contributes towards meeting high-level strategic objectives.  

You will have a thorough understanding of the strategic context in which the Climate IEB and Ministry operates, as well understanding the priorities and perspectives of Ministers, partner agencies and key external stakeholders.

You will also bring:

• Strong interagency climate or natural hazard policy experience.
• Strong background in developing and supporting governance mechanisms (desirable).
• Excellent writing and communication skills, having had extensive experience in providing system-wide policy advice to Ministers.
• Strong relationship and influencing skills, including navigating conflicting views.
• Highly developed conceptual and analytical skills and experience in developing and implementing workable solutions to ambiguous and complex problems. 
• Proven ability to lead complex cross-governmental policy development and/or implementation programmes.
• Strong experience in mentoring and coaching staff.
• Experience in leading monitoring and reporting programmes would be an advantage.

Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau | Salary range  

Salary range for this role is is $142,185 to $172,853 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 this position please contact Llinos Williams, at llinos.williams@climateieb.govt.nz.  The position description is available via our careers centre www.mfe.govt.nz/jobs.  

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:   Sunday, 11 January 2026