Policy Advisor

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment NZ; Wellington; On-site; NZD 75,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver

Wellness benefits

Job summary

MBIE's Labour Market Policy team in Wellington is seeking a Policy Advisor to develop strategic advice to Ministers on labour market and workforce policy issues. You will work with inter‑agency partners and industry to shape programmes that support people into work and strengthen workforce capability.

You will analyse emerging trends, such as AI and demographic change, and provide evidence-based recommendations on how government can respond.

Qualifications

• Excellent policy analysis and advisory skills.
• Ability to think strategically and forecast labour market needs.
• Strong stakeholder engagement across agencies and with industry.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic advice to Ministers on labour market and workforce policy issues.
• Collaborate across government and industry to shape employment initiatives.
• Analyse emerging trends and influence government responses to workforce challenges.
• Partner with agencies to support workforce planning in key sectors and respond to issues as they arise.

Skills

Policy analysis

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Written & verbal communication

NZ work entitlement

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment NZ – Wellington, North Island

• Develop strategic advice to Ministers on labour market and workforce policy issues
• Collaborate across government and industry to shape employment, skills, and workforce initiatives
• Analyse emerging trends and influence government responses to future labour market challenges
• Salary $75,114 - $93,724 + KiwiSaver + wellness benefits
• Permanent full time | Wellington-based

MBIE's Labour Market Policy team is part of the Employment, Skills and Immigration branch. We shape how New Zealand's labour market works so that people and businesses can thrive.

We have a Policy Advisor position available where you will develop strategic advice to Ministers.

You will work closely with other skills and employment agencies to develop advice on programmes and policies that support people into work, help businesses find the skills they need, and strengthen workforce capability. You will also partner with industry and government agencies to support workforce planning in key sectors and respond to specific issues, such as fuel supply challenges, as they arise.

The team looks ahead to identify emerging trends and risks that could affect workers, employers, and the wider economy, such as advances in artificial intelligence (AI), demographic change, or shifts in industries and occupations. You will undertake analysis of potential labour market impacts and provide advice on how government can respond to these developments.

Within our team, we offer flexible working options. Talk to us about what may work for you and us.

Skills and Experience Required - Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana

• Excellent policy analysis and advisory skills
• The ability to think strategically
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across agencies and with industry partners
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex issues clearly and succinctly
• Must have legal right to live and work in NZ.

About MBIE - Ētahi kōrero mō MBIE:

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 ahunga roa o ngā iwi, o ngāi Māori, me ētahi atu rōpū Māori ki te Karauna, ka tutuki 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 kaupapa kua 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.