Principal Advisor, Emerging Technologies Programme

Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand; Wellington; On-site; NZD 137,000 - 168,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Sick leave from day 1

KiwiSaver up to 4%

Vision assistance

Flu Vaccinations

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand invites you to join its Emerging Technologies Programme as a Principal Advisor, guiding policy, strategy and regulatory delivery for aviation’s future.

You will partner with industry, government, and international regulators to shape pre-certification, manage strategic programmes, and translate technical insights into effective regulation.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering strategic programmes within complex environments.
• Strong programme coordination and cross-initiative delivery.
• Experience providing strategic advice to senior leaders.
• Ability to influence at senior levels with trusted guidance.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proven track record building internal/external relationships.
• Experience coaching and mentoring others.
• Understanding regulatory environments and NZ aviation system.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and aviation trends.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice and leadership on emerging aviation technologies and regulatory implications.
• Lead pre-certification engagement and act as main contact for innovators/operators entering the system.
• Integrate emerging technology priorities into strategic, policy and regulatory delivery activities.
• Build and maintain relationships with industry, government, academia and international authorities.
• Coordinate cross-organisational collaboration to ensure policies are practical and fit for purpose.
• Support sector engagement activities and events advancing the Emerging Technologies Programme.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to develop capability across the organisation.

Skills

Strategic advisory

Programme coordination

Project management

Senior stakeholder influence

Analytical thinking

Relationship building

Coaching / mentoring

Regulatory knowledge

Emerging technologies knowledge

Job description

At the Civil Aviation Authority, we don’t just keep New Zealand’s skies safe and secure, we help shape the future of aviation.

• Shape how emerging technologies are integrated into New Zealand's aviation system.
• Influence policy, strategy and regulation nationally.
• Work with industry innovators and international regulators.

About The Role

As Principal Advisor, Emerging Technologies Programme, you’ll play a critical role in helping the CAA respond to the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging aviation technologies. Working within the System, Strategy and Policy group, you’ll provide thought leadership, strategic advice, and programme support to ensure emerging technologies are appropriately considered across the aviation regulatory system.

You will work closely with the Head of Emerging Technologies Programme, aviation industry participants, government agencies, and international regulatory partners to support safe innovation and ensure emerging technologies are effectively integrated into regulatory policy, strategy, and operational delivery.

Key responsibilities

• Provide expert advice, analysis, and thought leadership on emerging aviation technologies and their regulatory implications.
• Lead CAA's pre-certification engagement process and act as a key point of contact for innovators and operators seeking to enter the aviation system.
• Support the integration of emerging technology priorities into CAA's strategic, policy, and regulatory delivery activities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with industry participants, government agencies, academia, and international aviation authorities.
• Facilitate collaboration across the organisation to ensure regulatory policy and operational approaches are informed, practical, and fit for purpose.
• Support sector engagement activities, events, and initiatives that advance the Emerging Technologies Programme.
• Provide technical leadership, coaching, and mentoring to support capability development across the organisation.

As a Principal Advisor, Emerging Technologies Programme you will help lead and guide CAA at the forefront of technology and its impact and opportunity within the aviation sector:

The salary band for this position starts at $136,939 to $168,191. The starting salary will be based on the knowledge, skills and experience you may bring to the role and relativities across the organisation.

For more information on the role please view the

What You’ll Bring

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced strategic advisor who enjoys working at the intersection of innovation, regulation, and public sector leadership. You’ll be comfortable navigating ambiguity, building trusted relationships, and influencing outcomes across a diverse stakeholder environment.

To be successful in this role you will need

• Significant experience supporting and delivering strategic programmes within complex and evolving environments.
• Strong programme coordination and project management capability across organisation-wide initiatives.
• Experience providing high-quality strategic advice to senior leaders and stakeholders.
• The ability to build credibility and influence at senior levels, where your advice is trusted and valued.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and make sound recommendations.
• A proven ability to build and maintain effective internal and external relationships.
• Experience coaching, mentoring, and supporting the development of others.
• An understanding of regulatory environments, with the ability to quickly develop deep knowledge of New Zealand's aviation system.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and aviation trends, or the ability to rapidly develop expertise in this area.

About Us

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is New Zealand’s aviation safety and security regulator. We play a critical role in protecting the travelling public, supporting the aviation sector, and strengthening New Zealand’s international reputation.

Our vision is simple and powerful: A safe and secure aviation system – so people are safe, and feel safe when they fly.

Our values: Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Transparency, and Collaboration guide everything we do. We’re committed to diversity, inclusion, and creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to contribute.

Why Join us?

• 5 weeks annual leave, with an additional 2 days after five years of continuous service
• Sick leave entitlements from day 1 and Ten days Domestic leave annually
• Matching KiwiSaver contributions up to 4%
• Vision assistance
• Flu Vaccinations
• Employee Assistance Programme

Applications close: Monday, 26 October 2026 (11:59 pm)

Please be aware that we may start shortlisting as applications come in. We encourage early applications, as the advertisement may close sooner than stated.