Policy Adviser - Regulatory Operations

Position Title:  Policy Adviser

Team and Group:  Regulatory Operations, Policy

Position Type:  Permanent, Full Time (38 hours per week)

Location:  Wellington CBD office (Queens Wharf)

Salary: $79,078 – $96,146 per annum (+ Laptop/Mobile)

• Wellington CBD based (Queens Wharf) | Newly created position
• Permanent, Full-Time opportunity
• Opportunity to work on the implementation of the CAA 2023

About the Ministry of Transport | He kupu mō mātou Te Manatū Waka

The Ministry of Transport, Te Manatū Waka is the system leader for the transport sector whether it’s on land, at sea, in the air, or connecting Aotearoa to the world. We work in partnership with a number of transport agencies to help keep the transport system moving and are the government’s principal adviser on transport policy, regulation and investment. We play a crucial role in ensuring the transport system is working to improve the prosperity for New Zealanders.

At the Ministry of Transport, we pride ourselves on being a small, agile, and friendly Ministry, which maintains a culture that is collaborative, bold, and invested. We have approximately 230 staff across our Wellington and Auckland offices.

About the opportunity | Ngā whakamārama mō te tūnga

The Ministry of Transport has established a standalone Regulatory Operations team to provide organisational arrangements for delivering the Secretary’s functions following the implementation of the Civil Aviation Act 2023. The Act was enacted on 5 April 2023 and will commence on 5 April 2025. It replaces the Civil Aviation Act 1990 and the Airport Authorities Act 1966 and sets the foundations for the aviation regulatory system. 

We are looking for a level 1 (band 15) adviser to join our regulatory operations team in our policy group, including working on the establishment and implementation of new functions under the Civil Aviation Act 2023. As part of a small collaborative team, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference to the Ministry and the work we do.  

In this role you will:

• Develop and maintain a good understanding of the principles and practices relating to transport policy
• Prepare policy advice on transport issues including Cabinet papers and briefs for the relevant Ministers, and comment on papers prepared by other agencies
• Conduct research relevant to transport
• Prepare or contribute to ministerial speeches, media statements and responses to parliamentary questions, and draft replies to ministerial and department correspondence
• Identify and analyse issues and trends, opportunities and problems relating to transport
• Develop policy advice, as far as possible, from conceptual stage through to Cabinet decision and legislation and implementation
• Support the passage of new legislation and its introduction in association with the Legal team

Based on the work or support that may be required, this position is Wellington based only.  

What you’ll bring | Te wāhi ki a koe

You will be working in our regulatory operations team on the implementation of a range of regulatory issues including the implementation of the Civil Aviation Act 2023. An understanding of the implementation requirements under the new Act would be beneficial to your success in the role. Experience in a regulatory agency is desirable but not essential.

You will bring:

• Experience in contributing to policy development
• Experience in applying project management practices and principles
• Experience in writing ministerial correspondence and briefings as well as interpreting legislation
• Experience in building and maintaining effective working relationships
• Proficient numerical ability, experience and demonstrated capacity in applying financial analytical concepts
• Proficient writing skills, experience and demonstrated capability in successfully communicating effectively to diverse audiences
• Proficient analytical skills, experience and demonstrated capability in using analytical frameworks including non-financial concepts
• An understanding of the CAA 2023 is highly desirable

Salary range | Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau

The base salary range budget for this position is $79,078 – $96,146 per annum (+ KiwiSaver). The salary offered will reflect skills and experience.

What we offer | Te wāhi ki a mātou

• Supportive work environment and individual development plans
• Laptop, mobile and work from home IT equipment
• Modern offices located right on the wharf with collaborative working spaces, showers, storage for bicycles/scooters and personal lockers
• A range of employee networks 
• Ability to rotate into different areas of the organisation, providing a great opportunity for exposure to other teams, improving your skillset and gaining valuable experience

How to apply | Me pēhea te tono mai

To view the job description, or apply online, click Apply. Please include a CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant skills and experience.

To apply for this role, you must have right to live and work in New Zealand. You will need to be based in Wellington or ready to relocate. Other locations will not be considered.

Applications close midnight, Sunday 23 February 2025.

For further information or to speak confidentially, please contact Recruitment Adviser, Kitty McCool at k.mccool@transport.govt.nz

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds, orientations, and identities. We aim to create a workplace where everyone feels relevant, valued, and supported.

For any support or accessibility needs during our recruitment process, please contact us at applications@transport.govt.nz

Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies to fill this vacancy and unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.