Principal Advisor - System, Change and Transformation | Wellington

Job Description

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. This role is a fixed term / secondment opportunity to December 2026

Mō te tūranga mahi | About the role   

Join the team delivering an industrial‑scale, once‑in‑a‑generation transformation of Aotearoa's planning and environmental management system. 

As Principal Advisor – System Change and Transformation, you'll be the Chief System Transformation Officer's right hand shaping strategy, driving system-wide change, and influencing the future of New Zealand's planning and environmental landscape. This is a rare opportunity to lead at the heart of a national reform programme, working alongside senior leaders, iwi/Māori, and sector partners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Shape and lead system-wide change management frameworks for the RM3 transformation programme, driving readiness and capability uplift across central and local government, iwi/Māori, and sector partners. 

• Influence and orchestrate complex, multi-stakeholder transformation, ensuring coherent, integrated change aligned with national policy, digital, and sector objectives. 

• Champion innovation, inclusiveness, and continuous improvement in system change practice, setting the standard for sector capability uplift.

• Provide strategic assurance to senior leaders and governance groups, monitoring progress and surfacing risks to enable informed decision-making.

• Operate at the intersection of government, iwi/Māori, and sector stakeholders, shaping the future of New Zealand's planning and environmental system. 

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience   

To be successful in this role you will need:

• Proven senior leadership in large-scale, complex transformation programmes. 

• Expertise in change management, sector readiness, and stakeholder engagement. 

• Strategic acumen and the ability to influence at all levels, including without direct line authority. 

• Commitment to innovation, inclusiveness, and partnership with iwi/Māori and sector stakeholders. 

Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau | Salary range  

Salary range for this role is $142,185 to $172,853 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 Sally Morison on email @ vacancy@mfe.govt.nz.  The position description is available via our careers centre www.mfe.govt.nz/jobs.  

The location for this role is flexible which means you can work anywhere in New Zealand and there is an option to work from home.  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:   Sunday 11th January 2026 @ 5pm

Interviews will take place during the week beginning 19th January 2026.