Job Description
Full job description
Discover a career with purpose at MBIE
Discover a career with purpose at MBIE
Challenging and intellectually stimulating work to make a real difference for New Zealanders and the New Zealand labour market
Be part of a supportive team that is committed to growth and development
Permanent, Full time | Wellington Central
Salary range $110,098- $138,028 + KiwiSaver and Wellness Benefits
Tenei turanga - About the Role:
We are looking for a Senior Policy Advisor to join the Skills and Employment Policy team. We advise on how labour market policy can better meet the changing needs of workers and firms.
Our work is a mix of strategic policy, developing initiatives for Ministers and working with others in MBIE and wider government to lift the performance of the labour market. You will have the opportunity to:
be curious in sharpening our understanding of the labour market
use your systems thinking and influencing skills to bring new solutions to entrenched problems
develop your skillset for navigating ambiguity
work to senior leaders on important issues
help junior colleagues hone their policy skills
About the team:
The functioning of the labour market plays a key role in improving social and economic outcomes in New Zealand.
The Skills and Employment Policy team advises the Minister for Social Development and Employment on lifting labour market performance for workers and firms. We take a broad view of the labour market and help Ministers and senior officials keep focussed on the big stuff. And we work constructively with other teams and agencies on policy to address those things.
We sit within the Employment, Skills and Immigration Policy branch, which leads the government's advice on labour market issues. We work with a range of government and non-Government stakeholders to facilitate good labour market outcomes from a set of regulatory and non-regulatory systems.
Nga pukenga me nga wheako e hiahiatia ana - Skills and Experience Required:
We are looking for motivated people with experience in problem solving complex problems and formulating high-quality policy advice for a range of stakeholders and projects.
Ideally you will have:
Experience leading complex policy projects within central government
Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and application of these in public policy and in partnership with Maori
Wide ranging knowledge of policy development disciplines and processes
Strong stakeholder relationship building, influencing and engagement skills to gain the cooperation and commitment of others
Demonstrated capability in working with Ministers, senior public service officials, internal and external stakeholders
Commitment to leading and coaching others to develop their policy craft and take their careers to the next level
The ability to work through ambiguity and deliver results
You may be a seasoned policy professional looking for that next challenge or ready to take your next step into a Senior Policy Advisor role - we'd love to hear from you!
Etahi korero mo MBIE - About MBIE:
MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders.
We do this by working with others to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities and by working to ensure quality housing is more affordable.
People are at the heart of our mahi, our way of working is guided by our values which shape our behaviours.
Mahi Tahi - Better Together
Maia - Bold and brave
Pae Kahurangi - Build our Future
Pono Me Te Tika - Own It
Our aspirations are echoed in our Maori identity - Hikina Whakatutuki - which broadly means `lifting to make successful'.
MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Maori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Maori, other Maori groups/organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Maori and for wider Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to continuing to partner with iwi in order to find new sustainable solutions to address long standing systemic and cross-cutting issues facing Maori and wider Aotearoa New Zealand and we are also committed to identifying opportunities for iwi to lead and creating an enabling environment for iwi to leverage these opportunities.
E mohio ana a Hikina Whakatutuki i puea ake te kotuinga I waenganui i a ngai Maori me te Karauna i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, a, kei te whai ia ki te whakau ake i Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Ma te whai kiko o nga kotuinga ahungaroa o ngai wi, o ngai Maori, me etahi atu ropu Maori ki te Karauna, katutuki tenei. He ahuatanga nui tenei e ahei ai nga mahi whanaketanga a-ohanga, a-papori hoki ki a ngai Maori me Aotearoa whanui. E whai tonu ana matou ki te kotui atu ki nga iwi mo te rapu huarahi hou ki te whakaara i nga kaupapakua roa nei e tami ana i a ngai Maori me Aotearoa whanui, a, e whai ana hoki ki te tautohu i nga aheinga kokiritanga ma nga iwi, me te tautoko i nga iwi kia whai mana ake ai enei aheinga.
Me pehea te tono - How to Apply:
Click here to view a position description.
When you are ready to apply please send a CV and cover letter telling us why you're the perfect fit for this role.
All applications must be submitted via our online process.
We can't wait to hear from you!
Email Roxana Anderson at [email protected] quoting ref MBIE/19089 if you have any further questions.
Applications close on Sunday, 1st March 2026
Discover a career with purpose at MBIE
Discover a career with purpose at MBIE
Challenging and intellectually stimulating work to make a real difference for New Zealanders and the New Zealand labour market
Be part of a supportive team that is committed to growth and development
Permanent, Full time | Wellington Central
Salary range $110,098- $138,028 + KiwiSaver and Wellness Benefits
Tenei turanga - About the Role:
We are looking for a Senior Policy Advisor to join the Skills and Employment Policy team. We advise on how labour market policy can better meet the changing needs of workers and firms.
Our work is a mix of strategic policy, developing initiatives for Ministers and working with others in MBIE and wider government to lift the performance of the labour market. You will have the opportunity to:
be curious in sharpening our understanding of the labour market
use your systems thinking and influencing skills to bring new solutions to entrenched problems
develop your skillset for navigating ambiguity
work to senior leaders on important issues
help junior colleagues hone their policy skills
About the team:
The functioning of the labour market plays a key role in improving social and economic outcomes in New Zealand.
The Skills and Employment Policy team advises the Minister for Social Development and Employment on lifting labour market performance for workers and firms. We take a broad view of the labour market and help Ministers and senior officials keep focussed on the big stuff. And we work constructively with other teams and agencies on policy to address those things.
We sit within the Employment, Skills and Immigration Policy branch, which leads the government's advice on labour market issues. We work with a range of government and non-Government stakeholders to facilitate good labour market outcomes from a set of regulatory and non-regulatory systems.
Nga pukenga me nga wheako e hiahiatia ana - Skills and Experience Required:
We are looking for motivated people with experience in problem solving complex problems and formulating high-quality policy advice for a range of stakeholders and projects.
Ideally you will have:
Experience leading complex policy projects within central government
Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and application of these in public policy and in partnership with Maori
Wide ranging knowledge of policy development disciplines and processes
Strong stakeholder relationship building, influencing and engagement skills to gain the cooperation and commitment of others
Demonstrated capability in working with Ministers, senior public service officials, internal and external stakeholders
Commitment to leading and coaching others to develop their policy craft and take their careers to the next level
The ability to work through ambiguity and deliver results
You may be a seasoned policy professional looking for that next challenge or ready to take your next step into a Senior Policy Advisor role - we'd love to hear from you!
Etahi korero mo MBIE - About MBIE:
MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders.
We do this by working with others to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities and by working to ensure quality housing is more affordable.
People are at the heart of our mahi, our way of working is guided by our values which shape our behaviours.
Mahi Tahi - Better Together
Maia - Bold and brave
Pae Kahurangi - Build our Future
Pono Me Te Tika - Own It
Our aspirations are echoed in our Maori identity - Hikina Whakatutuki - which broadly means `lifting to make successful'.
MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Maori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Maori, other Maori groups/organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Maori and for wider Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to continuing to partner with iwi in order to find new sustainable solutions to address long standing systemic and cross-cutting issues facing Maori and wider Aotearoa New Zealand and we are also committed to identifying opportunities for iwi to lead and creating an enabling environment for iwi to leverage these opportunities.
E mohio ana a Hikina Whakatutuki i puea ake te kotuinga I waenganui i a ngai Maori me te Karauna i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, a, kei te whai ia ki te whakau ake i Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Ma te whai kiko o nga kotuinga ahungaroa o ngai wi, o ngai Maori, me etahi atu ropu Maori ki te Karauna, katutuki tenei. He ahuatanga nui tenei e ahei ai nga mahi whanaketanga a-ohanga, a-papori hoki ki a ngai Maori me Aotearoa whanui. E whai tonu ana matou ki te kotui atu ki nga iwi mo te rapu huarahi hou ki te whakaara i nga kaupapakua roa nei e tami ana i a ngai Maori me Aotearoa whanui, a, e whai ana hoki ki te tautohu i nga aheinga kokiritanga ma nga iwi, me te tautoko i nga iwi kia whai mana ake ai enei aheinga.
Me pehea te tono - How to Apply:
Click here to view a position description.
When you are ready to apply please send a CV and cover letter telling us why you're the perfect fit for this role.
All applications must be submitted via our online process.
We can't wait to hear from you!
Email Roxana Anderson at [email protected] quoting ref MBIE/19089 if you have any further questions.
Applications close on Sunday, 1st March 2026
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Senior Policy Advisor (Skills and Employment Policy) position is now open for candidates interested in the Construction, Repair & Maintenance Services sector. This role in Wellington offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Construction, Repair & Maintenance Services is a plus.
