Kaitohutohu/Kaitohutohu Matua | Advisor/Senior Advisor - Infrastructure Policy (2 roles) at Ministry for the Environment, Flexible

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

1 x Senior Advisor - Fixed Term/Secondment until end November 2026 (new position)

1 x Policy Advisor - Fixed Term/Secondment until 9 October 2026 (covering parental leave)

Mō te tūranga mahi | About the roles

Are you interested in developing infrastructure policy that will encourage the future investment and development of infrastructure throughout New Zealand?  These are exciting opportunities if you're passionate about enabling the infrastructure New Zealand needs to thrive, while ensuring environmental outcomes are front and centre.

We are looking for an Advisor and experienced Senior Advisor to join our Infrastructure Policy team, where we design policy that balances development with sustainability.

Our team plays a critical role in shaping how infrastructure is planned and delivered across Aotearoa. We provide expert advice that influences national direction and major legislative reforms – including the new Planning Act and Natural Environment Act, which will replace the Resource Management Act.

This is your opportunity to help set the rules of the game for infrastructure investment and development for decades to come. 

As an Advisor, you will help support the team's policy work programme and be supported by senior members of the team to ensure you thrive in the role.

As a Senior Advisor, you will lead complex policy work that enables infrastructure delivery while meeting environmental objectives. You will work on high-profile projects that matter to New Zealand's future, including:

• Developing national direction for infrastructure under the new planning system.
• Providing expert advice on key areas such as:
  • Designations
  • Spatial planning
  • Standardised zones and infrastructure pathways
  • Offshore wind infrastructure in the Coastal Marine Area
  • New national policy direction for infrastructure
• Contributing to wider infrastructure policy, including hazard adaptation and climate resilience.
• Advising across government on policies that impact infrastructure delivery.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience   

Our ideal candidate will bring: 

• Policy development experience, ideally in infrastructure or resource management practice in New Zealand or Australia.
• Strong analytical, written and oral communication skills.
• A solid understanding of the machinery of government, and how to navigate it.
• An ability to work collaboratively across teams and agencies, and clearly articulate complex programme processes and policy issues to support decisions
• Collaboration skills and an ability to add positively to our team culture.
• A good knowledge or experience of infrastructure and its setting in New Zealand would be an advantage.

For the senior role, we are looking for candidates with leadership skills to guide workstreams and coach/mentor junior members of the team.

Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau | Salary range  

Advisor: $80,712 to $97,721 pa

Senior: $110,501 to $134,128 pa

Appointment within the range will be based on skills and experience.  

Ngā hua ka puta i te mahi ki MfE | Benefits of working at MfE  

• a flexible working approach to embrace a healthy work-life blend 
• agile ways of working, allowing you variety and challenges across the organisation as we work as ‘One MfE' 
• active employee networks including Māori Rōpū, Asian Network, Neurodivergent and Disability Networks, Women's Network, Tagata Moana (Pacific Peoples' Network), and Rainbow Network 
• opportunities for development and education.           

Check out other benefits of joining us and hear what our people say about Working at MfE | Ministry for the Environment.  

Tono ināianei | Apply now  

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and cover letter.  Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.     

If you require further information about this position please contact Michael Tucker at Michael.tucker@mfe.govt.nz.  The position descriptions are available via our careers centre www.mfe.govt.nz/jobs.  

The location for the roles is flexible which means you can work anywhere in New Zealand and there is an option to work from home.  As a flexible friendly employer, we are happy to discuss solutions that may work for you and the business.  We value and care about enabling our people to work in a way that means they can work at their best.   

We are committed to providing equal opportunities and actively strive to be a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture.  We actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.  We are proud to be a Rainbow Tick and Gender Tick certified organisation and are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.   

We want to ensure any accessibility needs you may have are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all.  Therefore, please let us know if there are any adjustments or support we can offer to make the recruitment process more accessible to you.  Please contact us at vacancy@mfe.govt.nz if you would like to discuss any accessibility needs you may have.  

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.  

Note: for internal permanent kaimahi who are applying for a secondment, you must speak with your Manager before submitting your application.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:  Monday, 16 February 2026