Principal Policy Advisor

These are exciting, career enhancing opportunities to be involved in the major science reforms currently being rolled out across New Zealand's science system; a once in 30 years reform that will shape the research and innovation landscape and help solve New Zealand's biggest challenges. Come and be part of the high-performing Science Sector and Science System teams at MBIE, the teams at the centre of implementing these reforms.

The Science, Innovation and Technology system is big, technically complex, internationally focussed, and vital to New Zealand's future success in many economic, environmental and health areas. This makes the work interesting, varied, and challenging.

We are delivering on Government's ambitious plans to reform the Science, Innovation and Technology system as announced in the Prime Ministers state of the Nation address in January this year. This once in generation opportunity will change how the whole system works, as many parts of it were established in the 1990s. We will be merging the Crown Research Institutes and creating new Public Research Organisations, setting up a national priority setting mechanism, changing the science funding model, and ensuring that science is better commercialised while still being able to deliver key public good science.

We are looking for a high-performing Principal Policy Advisor to join the Science and Space branch. They will work on a wide range of policy issues, ranging from our more usual work programme solving complex and strategic policy issues and providing ministerial advice, to opportunities presented by the reforms; helping to draft new legislation and working on more "operational" policy decisions (along with the existing Crown Research Institutes and other key stakeholders in the system). The role will therefore span the breadth of the policy process, from option development and sector engagement through to the legislative process and implementation.

The ideal candidate will have experience in the New Zealand public service along with their deep understanding of complex policy processes, and will also have experience working in the science system.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of complex policy processes, the ability to navigate ambiguity on a daily basis and will also have experience working in the science system.

We are looking candidates for who can apply their skills across a wide range of issues. Are you:

• ; Able to lead large policy projects
• ; Experienced in complex data analysis
• ; Hardworking and thrive on a good challenge, and able to work with ambiguity
• ; Intellectually curious and able to `follow your nose' to find, and solve, problems
• ; Good at communicating complex information orally, written and visually
• ; A self-starter who is confident delivering high quality work
• ; Able to work on several important pieces of work simultaneously
• ; Good at building and maintaining effective and collegial working relationships

We value diversity of thinking and background. We collaborate and support each other, and we make sure everyone has the chance to develop and to take on new challenges. We encourage excellence and proactively support professional development. We'll help you manage a healthy work-life balance with flexi-time and access to health insurance. Employees at MBIE may be eligible for the Hauora Wellness benefits.

Skills and Experience Required

• ; Good policy and problem-solving skills, and the ability to learn quickly
• ; Good relationship management and influencing skills
• ; The ability to work in a complex and fast-paced policy environment
• ; Knowledge and/or experience of the Science sector in New Zealand would be added advantage but is not considered a prerequisite for this role.
• ; Relevant qualification or equivalent experience
• ; Must have the right to live and work in NZ.

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.

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 Matt Guy at [email protected] quoting ref MBIE/17940 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on Friday the 12th of September 2025