Senior Policy Advisor

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Policy Advisor to join the Policy Business Unit within the Strategy, Policy, and Regulation function of Rōpū Taiao. This is a permanent position based in either Wellington or Masterton offices. As a Senior Policy Advisor, you will leverage your expertise and judgment to provide high-quality policy advice that aligns with national directives and enhances environmental outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage substantial policy programmes by setting priorities, identifying and managing risks, and ensuring delivery meets strategic goals.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to colleagues within the team.
• Develop authoritative, innovative, and practical environmental policy advice across a broad array of topics.
• Facilitate the translation of policy and strategic plans into actionable delivery, collaborating closely with internal teams, partners, and stakeholders to realize environmental benefits on the ground.
• Support initiatives to improve outcomes for mana whenua and Māori.
• Enhance the integration of strategy formation, policy development, planning, and execution.

Requirements and Experience

• In-depth knowledge of resource management, local government planning, and relevant legislation is essential.
• Preferably a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a comparable policy advisor role.
• Proven ability to operate effectively through the entire policy cycle, from development to implementation phases.
• A desire for continuous learning and the capacity to work decisively within ambiguous and uncertain environments.
• Understanding of tikanga and te ao Māori or willingness to develop this competence.
• Excellent written communication tailored for diverse audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills including adaptability, active listening, persuasion, and facilitation abilities.
• A positive disposition combined with resilience to maintain composure under pressure.

What We Provide

• Flexible working arrangements to balance work and family life.
• Opportunities for professional growth including learning programs, internal transfers, and career advancement paths.
• Support for wellbeing with medical and trauma insurance, employee assistance programs including Rongoā Māori providers, generous annual and sick leave, and Tangihanga leave and assistance.
• An inclusive workplace that respects and encourages expression of personal and cultural identity.
• Participation in social clubs, staff networks, and a welcoming, inclusive culture.
• Work environments situated in a beautiful region.

Additional Information

Our commitment involves protecting and enhancing the local environment—lands, waterways, flora, fauna, and people. Joining our team means dedicating yourself to vital efforts such as restoring nature, fostering connections between people and places, mitigating environmental impacts, and supporting regional prosperity. We honor Te Tiriti o Waitangi and endorse mana whenua as guardians. Our collective community effort spans environmental management, public transport, flood defenses, parks, and water supply, all integral to nurturing our region’s future.

Greater Wellington values diversity and strives to be inclusive, flexible, and supportive. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and aim for equitable recruitment. Accessibility needs for the application process can be accommodated upon request.

Applicants must provide evidence of eligibility to work in New Zealand; sponsorship is not available. Agency applications will not be considered.

For further details, contact Kaitaki-a-tīma Team Leader Policy, Will Syben, at [email protected] or 021 872 630.

Applications close at 5:00 pm on Thursday, 20 August 2026. Early applications are encouraged as interviews will be scheduled promptly to secure the right candidate.

The remuneration package ranges from NZD 100,617 to 150,926 annually, with a midpoint of NZD 125,772, contingent on skills and experience.