Lead Advisor, Policyat Ministry for Regulation -
Lead policy projects that lift regulatory quality across governmentCollaborate in an environment that values your expertise and ideasJoin a small, agile central agency with a big missionThis is a full-time fixed term position or secondment opportunity until 31 August 2026, in central Wellington.About usThe Ministry for Regulation is a small government agency with a big job to do.We're focused on lifting quality across all regulatory systems and supporting agencies with regulatory responsibilities to align with good practice.
We want it to be easier for businesses to innovate, grow and comply, while still ensuring the benefits from regulation that we take for granted won't change. We are a small group of dedicated professionals, working in a 'can do' environment.About the RoleAs Lead Advisor, Policy, you'll provide authoritative advice to Ministers on regulatory proposals with significant economic impact.Reporting to the Manager, Regulatory Policy Design, you'll shape and develop policy, oversee work programmes, and provide thought leadership that contributes to the Ministry's strategic direction. You'll lead external engagement across government, industry and communities, and draw on deep expertise in regulatory policy, regulatory economics, or fee and levy structures to deliver robust, influential second‑opinion advice on major proposals.During the course of this fixed term role, you will play a key part in the Ministry's work to implement the Regulatory Standards Act.
In particular, you will lead work on the design and implementation of support for the Regulatory Standards Board (in relation to their consideration of consistency accountability statements for Bills).About youYou bring experience in public policy (including regulatory policy) and excel at critical thinking, communication, and relationship‑building.You work collaboratively to deliver complex, impactful advice. Ideally, you also bring:Outstanding written and verbal communication and numerical literacy, with a knack for simplifying complex issuesLearning agility to quickly acquire knowledge across diverse policy domainsA track record of coaching, mentoring and supporting team membersProject leadership experience in complex, multi‑stakeholder workSound judgement, political nous, and strategic agilityExperience building trusted relationships across agencies and sectorsCross‑agency/system engagement that achieves tangible outcomes.What we can offer youA chance to shape regulatory policy at a system-wide levelA supportive, high-performing team that values diversity of thought and knowledge‑sharingOpportunities to build transferable skills and accelerate your careerFlexible working options.If you're passionate about improving regulatory systems and influencing policy at the highest level, we'd love to hear from you.Salary range: $145,563 - $193,287 dependent on skills and experience.Job description: Lead Advisor, PolicyQuestions: Contact the People team people@regulation.govt.nzHow to ApplyPlease click the 'Apply for this job' button and provide the requested information.Applications close on: 14 January 2026