Principal Advisor System Evidence and Insights

New Zealand Transport Agency; Wellington; On-site; NZD 134,000 - 148,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

A supportive working environment

Flexible working options

Competitive salary package

5 weeks annual leave

Job summary

New Zealand Transport Agency in Wellington is seeking a Principal Advisor Evidence and Insights to turn evidence into action. You will maintain the Regulatory Evidence Centre, bring together hindsight, insight and foresight to shape regulatory priorities and inform strategic decisions, ensuring resources are focused where they have the greatest impact.

You will work across the Regulatory system, drawing on qualitative research and synthesis, systems thinking, and stakeholder perspectives to

Qualifications

• Expertise in evidence and insights generation in complex environments.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Leadership and mentoring of others in communities of practice.
• Knowledge of regulatory/government systems and decision-making processes.
• Proven ability to engage with internal/external stakeholders and influence outcomes.
• Excellent written, verbal and visual communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead best practice, systems thinking, and synthesis to support evidence-based decision making among Senior Leaders and Managers.
• Enable strategic priorities and design team workplans, engaging internal and external audiences as required.
• Maintain the Regulatory Evidence Centre and regulatory profiles with up-to-date information.
• Plan and deliver a forward-looking work programme that supports proactive, risk-based regulation.
• Lead development of frameworks, tools and guidance, and mentor colleagues across the Regulatory Group.

Skills

Evidence & Insights

Critical Thinking

Leadership & Mentoring

Regulatory Knowledge

Stakeholder Engagement

Communications

Education

Tertiary qualification in relevant discipline

Job description

Lead evidence and insight generation to inform regulatory priorities and decision-making

Apply systems thinking and human-centred insights to identify emerging risks and opportunities Partner with senior leaders to turn complex information into clear, actionable recommendations Wellington based Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

In this 12-month fixed term contract as our Principal Advisor Evidence and Insights you will be our expert in turning evidence into action. You will maintain our Regulatory Evidence Centre, you'll bring together hindsight, insight and foresight to help shape regulatory priorities, inform strategic investment decisions, and ensure resources are focused where they can have the greatest impact. Working across the Regulatory system, you’ll draw on strong qualitative research and evidence synthesis skills, alongside systems thinking, to understand how regulatory systems work in practice. You’ll bring together research, operational knowledge and stakeholder perspectives to uncover emerging risks and identify opportunities. This is a role for someone who is curious, influential and skilled at turning complex evidence into clear insights and practical advice that support better regulatory outcomes.

This is a key role where you’ll:

• Lead best practice, application of systems thinking, and robust synthesis of information to support development of high-quality evidence, insights and strategic advice that enables evidence-based decision making among Senior Leaders and Managers.
• Actively enable the Director of Land Transport’s strategic priorities and regulatory stewardship responsibilities, including contributing to design of your team’s workplan to support identified areas of priority and facilitate engagement with both internal external audiences where required.
• Maintain our evidence centre and regulatory profiles, ensuring we always have an up-to-date view.
• Contribute to planning and delivery of a forward-looking work programme that supports proactive, risk-based regulation and aligns with organisational priorities.
• Support continuous improvement and provide leadership in the development of frameworks, tools, and guidance that support hindsight, insight and foresight generation, while fostering innovation and capability uplift across the Regulatory Group, alongside mentoring others both within the team and across the wider group.

We are seeking to appoint at a salary between $133,632 - $148,480 commensurate with skills and experience.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

• Expertise in Evidence and Insights Generation: Proven experience in leading evidence and insights generation in complex environments, ideally within the public or regulatory sector.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills: Proven experience using a range of relevant methodologies and analytical approaches to support quality assurance work.
• Leadership and Mentoring: Coaching and mentoring and support of others, including leadership of communities of practice.
• Regulatory and Government System Knowledge: Experience working in a regulatory environment with a solid understanding of government systems, accountability frameworks, and public sector decision-making processes.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Influence: Proven ability to build and manage relationships across internal and external networks, influencing decision-making and fostering collaboration.
• Exceptional Communication Skills: Strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to varied audiences including senior leaders, external stakeholders, and ministerial forums.

You will also demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to build understanding of Te Ao Māori, tikanga, and the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the public sector.

Qualifications: A tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline Or, equivalent experience gained through senior roles in regulatory or public service environments - particularly where leadership of system mapping, gathering human insights, and overall evidence and insights generation were key components.

Ko wai mātou | About us

Te Rōpū Waeture– Regulatory - We help ensure the land transport system is safe, fair and well regulated. We use a wide range of activities and tools - including monitoring, education, engagement and enforcement, to ensure that people, vehicles and transport operators meet the standards required to keep NewZealand moving safely and efficiently.

Ka whiwhi koe i te aha | What you will get in return

• A supportive working environment
• Flexible working options
• A competitive salary package, aligned with your skills and experience
• 5 weeks annual leave and other great benefits

Rā Katinga | Applications close

25 November 2026

For further information, email: [e-mail]

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values.

Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

We may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.

Ko wai mātou | About us

At Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, it all starts with our people. The organisation's performance and success depends on the people who choose to make this a great place to work and make a difference for Aotearoa. Waka Kotahi has a strong future focus, understanding that new technologies and changing customer expectations mean the transport system we know today will not be the one we deliver in ten years time.