Senior Policy Advisor

Overview

Join the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to engage in meaningful policy work that impacts New Zealand's science, innovation, and technology landscape. The Senior Policy Advisor role involves tackling complex, influential policy questions that support innovation, commercialization, and sustainable economic growth.

Role Details

This permanent position is based in Wellington (preferred) or Auckland. The salary ranges between $110,098 and $138,028 per year, alongside KiwiSaver and wellness benefits.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and lead policy initiatives on challenging and significant innovation issues.
• Advance government goals related to science, innovation, and technology sectors.
• Improve mechanisms that translate research into commercial outcomes.
• Dedicate efforts toward innovation supports such as grants and incentives.
• Enhance New Zealand’s innovation ecosystem and evaluate future impacts from emerging technologies and global trends.
• Provide strategic advice to Ministers and senior leaders, engaging across government, industry, and research community.
• Contribute to team capability growth through collaboration and leadership.

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience delivering insightful policy advice within governmental or similar settings.
• Strong understanding of policy development and analytical processes, applying them skillfully to complex topics.
• Adept at quickly synthesizing information from varied evidence and data sources.
• Excellent communication skills for clear and effective messaging to diverse audiences.
• Effective at building and managing collaborative relationships with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.
• A flexible, positive attitude that embraces change and new challenges.
• Must be a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident.

About MBIE

MBIE's mission is to foster a robust, high-performing economy that enhances the quality of life for all New Zealanders. They prioritize collaboration, courage, future-focused growth, and responsibility as key values. The organization honors the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi through meaningful partnerships with Māori groups, supporting Māori economic and social development aligned with Treaty commitments.

Additional Information

Application deadline: 7 September 2026.

Applicants are invited to submit a CV and cover letter explaining their fit for this role through the official application process. For inquiries, contact Dorinda Te Kiri via email at dorinda.tekiri@mbie.govt.nz referencing job ID MBIE/20027.