Advisor Operational Policy

New Zealand Government
Wellington, Wellington
Full time
2 weeks ago

MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders


Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

  • Do you have previous Operational Policy, Service Design or Policy experience?
  • Want to work on exciting projects such as implementing the new Offshore Renewable Energy regime, reversing the ban on oil and gas, Geothermal, Hydrogen, and Carbon Capture space
  • Join our Operational Policy team implementing policy and business change initiatives in the Resources and Energy sector
  • Wellington based, Permanent full-time position and office-based role
  • Salary: $75,114 to $93,724 plus KiwiSaver and wellness benefits

Tenei turanga - About the Role:

Are you a systems thinker with a knack for translating policy into action? Do you love connecting dots between legislation, operations, and people? Then this role is for you.

As our new Advisor - Operational Policy, you'll be the bridge between policy teams, operational teams, and regulatory system participants. You'll work in projects that bring policy to life, designing processes, crafting forms, guidance and SOP's, and making sure change happens smoothly and meaningfully.

You'll work with Treaty partners, stakeholders, and end users to co-design solutions that are not only technically sound but people-centred.

No two days are the same! One moment you might be drafting a briefing for the Minister on how a new regime will roll out, the next you're updating the GM on a key piece of work, and then you're front and centre presenting progress to a Governance Group or running a workshop with SMEs to under the impact of a policy change. It's varied, fast-paced, and full of impact.

Recent highlights from our team include implementing the new Offshore Renewable Energy regime, reversing the ban on oil and gas, and delivering our part of the Fast-track approvals process. And we're just getting started, exciting work is underway in the Geothermal, Hydrogen, and Carbon Capture space. Join us at the forefront of shaping New Zealand's energy and resources future.

Nga pukenga me nga wheako e hiahiatia ana - Skills and Experience Required

To be successfully in this role, you'll bring:

  • Experience in policy or operational policy work or similar experience in service design, regulatory systems, or business analysis, ideally within government.
  • Confidence tackling complex problems using analytical thinking, impact analysis tools, and quantitative data to build smart, workable solutions.
  • Strong communication skills, whether it's writing, presenting, or visualising ideas, you tailor your message to suit the audience and clearly present analysis and ideas on paper.
  • A delivery-focused mindset-planning, prioritising, and meeting milestones comes naturally, and you're proactive in managing your workload and spotting opportunities to add value.
  • An understanding of how policy gets made and how legislation and regulatory change work in the public sector.
  • The ability to assess information, identify implications, and develop sound advice and business cases that support decision-making.
  • Familiarity with business process design and analysis.
  • Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills-you collaborate well, build trust, and bring positive energy to the team.

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.

Email Monica Chow at monica.chow2@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/17752 if you have any further questions.

Applications close at 11:59pm on Friday, 15th August 2025.

Apply
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