Principal Advisers

Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport; Auckland; On-site; NZD 138,000 - 172,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT) in New Zealand seeks a senior adviser to shape Auckland's transport future. You will lead contributions to the ARTC, influence cross-agency priorities, and help develop Auckland's 30-year transport plan and the Auckland Regional Land Transport Plan.

Based in Auckland, you will work with senior leaders to provide strategic advice, ensure alignment across government and local authorities, and support investment planning for

Qualifications

• Extensive experience of working in the Auckland environment and government context.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking with investment advisory skills.
• Ability to lead complex work programmes and deliver concise advice.
• Proven ability to write clear, audience-tailored content.
• Experience leading policy and investment analysis in the public sector.
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder relationship skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead MCERT's contribution to strategic transport planning in Auckland and influence cross-agency priorities.
• Utilise analytical and investment advisory expertise to identify policy trade-offs.
• Prepare advice for ARTC and the Minister of Transport.
• Lead relationships across the transport sector in Auckland.
• Collaborate with the Auckland team on transport and urban development matters.

Skills

Auckland experience

Analytical thinking

Policy development

Investment advisory

Stakeholder management

Communication clarity

Job description

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Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport – Auckland, North Island

Team and Group: Auckland | Delivery

Position Type: Fixed Term or secondment up until August or September 2027, Full Time (38 hours per week)

Location: Auckland CBD office

About us

The Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT) takes a long-term view of how New Zealand's towns, cities and regions grow and change. We work across housing, transport, the environment, urban development, infrastructure and investment, and partner closely with local government.

We provide joined-up policy and investment advice to government, support effective regulation and market settings, and work with others to help deliver affordable housing, connected communities, well-planned infrastructure, and a healthy, sustainable environment.

About the role

You'll play a pivotal role in shaping Auckland's transport future. Transport reforms in Auckland see MCERT at the forefront of establishing and supporting the new Auckland Regional Transport Committee (ARTC), a joint Government and Auckland Council committee. This unique opportunity will see you lead MCERT's contribution to advising the ARTC, influence cross-agency priorities, help develop Auckland's first 30-year transport plan and work on the Auckland Regional Land Transport Plan. Working at the intersection of central and local government, you'll drive collaboration, integrate diverse perspectives, and have a lasting impact on transport outcomes for the region.

The team provides an integrated view on transport in Auckland to support the Minister, MCERT and the transport sector in Auckland. We advise on strategic direction and outcomes, investment planning, national policy relating to Auckland, key Auckland projects and Auckland issues.

This role involves representing MCERT on a cross-agency team, working with the team and senior leaders to provide advice to the Auckland Regional Transport Committee, and providing advice to the Minister of Transport on the 30-year transport plan for Auckland and the Auckland Regional Land Transport Plan.

In this role you will:

• lead MCERT's contribution to strategic transport planning in Auckland playing a key role in cross-agency teams to influence priorities and align perspectives
• utilise your analytical, strategic and investment advisory expertise to identify policy and investment choices and trade-offs
• prepare advice for the ARTC and the Minister of Transport
• lead relationships across the transport sector in Auckland
• work with the Auckland team on broad-ranging transport and urban development matters.
  

Based on the work this position is Auckland based only.

Skills and experience

• Extensive experience of working in the Auckland environment with a deep understanding of context, institutional arrangements at a government and local government level, the transport system and with existing senior stakeholder relationships

Extensive analytical and intellectual thinking skills, with demonstrated capability in adding significant value when applying analytical frameworks to draw well-considered conclusions and provide advice

• Demonstrated capability in being able to lead complex and ambiguous work programmes, manage multiple demands and provide advice in short timeframes
• Proven ability to write clear, concise, easy to understand and impactful content tailored to the audience
• Demonstrated successful capability in leading policy, strategic project development, investment advice and analysis in the public sector with an understanding of government policy-making procedures
• Numerical ability, with demonstrated successful capability in providing advice based on numerical evidence and analytical concepts in various scenarios
• Demonstrated capability in building and maintaining effective working relationships including leading and collaborating with others to achieve outcomes and influence the agenda.

Salary range

Salary range for this role is $138,372 to $172,372pa. Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience.

If you require further information about this position, please contact Karen Lyons at ***********@mcert.govt.nz.

The location for this role is Auckland.

We are committed to equal opportunities and building a diverse, inclusive workplace. We support our people to work in ways that help them do their best. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.

We want our recruitment process to be fair and accessible for everyone. If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know or get in touch at ***********@mcert.govt.nz.

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

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