Senior Advisor Operational Policy

• Shape New Zealand’s approach to regulating a new and dynamic sector
• Take a lead role engaging other regulators, policy makers and operational agencies in New Zealand and internationally
• Manage regulatory relationships with key space sector operators
• Salary band: $110,098 - $138,028 plus Kiwisaver and wellness benefits    Permanent role out of Wellington 

New Zealand’s regulatory system for space and high-altitude activities is new and developing fast, and offers many opportunities to apply and stretch your operational policy skills.  We’re looking for an experienced, motivated Senior Advisor to join the Space Policy and Regulatory Systems Team.

In this role you will bridge the team’s policy and regulatory functions by:

• leading the development of operational policies that translate policy goals into operational requirements in a range of areas, for example the use of new space technologies, launch licensing, and regulatory system management and governance
• monitoring and identifying ways to improve the performance of the regulatory system, including to manage challenges arising from market, technology and regulatory developments in this fast-moving sector
• working closely with other local, national and international regulators, policy makers and operational agencies
• managing regulatory relationships with key licensed operators
• preparing advice for the Minister
• coaching and mentoring other team members.

These activities will change over time, and you will need to have the skills and agility to work across a range of activities.

Why work for us?
 
Developing our staff is a key focus for MBIE.  We aim to create a culture where staff members are empowered to bring fresh perspectives to issues and to think outside the box. MBIE offers significant opportunity for developing experience across a broad variety of areas. We encourage excellence and proactively support development through on-the-job learning, training courses, conferences and seminars, development programmes, secondments, rotations to other branches and study opportunities.

We are keen to hear from you if you have:

•    Previous experience in a role requiring strategic thinking and analytical skills
•    Experience in a regulatory environment
•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills
•    Excellent interpersonal and demonstrated relationship management skills
•    A high level of initiative and personal organisation
•    Experience in coaching and mentoring 
•    Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field or equivalent relevant experience
•    An understanding of engineering, international aviation or space industries and law would be advantageous
•    Must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand
•    Ability to gain and maintain a security clearance.

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
• Māia – Bold and brave
• Pae Kahurangi – Build our Future
• Pono Me Te Tika – Own It

Our aspirations are echoed in our Māori identity – Hīkina Whakatutuki – which broadly means ‘lifting to make successful'.

MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Māori 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, Māori, other Māori groups/organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Māori 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 Māori 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 mōhio ana a Hīkina Whakatutuki i puea ake te kōtuinga I waenganui i a ngāi Māori me te Karauna i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ā, kei te whai ia ki te whakaū ake i Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Mā te whai kiko o ngā kōtuinga ahungaroa o ngāi wi, o ngāi Māori, me ētahi atu rōpū Māori ki te Karauna, katutuki tēnei. He āhuatanga nui tēnei e āhei ai ngā mahi whanaketanga ā-ohanga, ā-pāpori hoki ki a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui. E whai tonu ana mātou ki te kōtui atu ki ngā iwi mō te rapu huarahi hou ki te whakaara i ngā kaupapakua roa nei e tāmi ana i a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui, ā, e whai ana hoki ki te tautohu i ngā āheinga kōkiritanga mā ngā iwi, me te tautoko i ngā iwi kia whai mana ake ai ēnei āheinga.

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 matt.guy@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/17688 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on 14th of July 2025