Senior Advisor, Guidance - Fixed Term, Rules Update Programme

Civil Aviation Authority; Wellington; On-site; NZD 99,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Five weeks annual leave

Ten days sick leave after 6 months

KiwiSaver matching up to 4%

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

The Civil Aviation Authority in New Zealand is seeking a Senior Advisor, Guidance on an 18-month fixed-term basis to update the Civil Aviation Rules and keep New Zealand’s aviation system safe and future-ready.

The role collaborates with policy advisors, legal specialists and external stakeholders; leads guidance material creation and translates complex policy into plain-language documents. Strong writing and stakeholder engagement skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Must be able to translate policy and operational content into user-friendly guidance.
• Strong writing, editing and information design skills with plain-language basics.
• Experience developing guidance, manuals or technical documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and creation of high quality guidance materials including Advisory Circulars and other materials.
• Translate complex policy, regulatory, and operational content into practical, plain-language documents.
• Assess rule and policy changes and determine guidance needs and priorities.
• Work cross-functionally with SMEs, communications specialists, legal advisors, and regulatory teams to ensure guidance is accurate, usable, and aligned with the overall Rules Project.
• Mentor and support other guidance advisors to strengthen organisation-wide capability.
• Uphold CAA's commitments to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, diversity and inclusion, and health, safety and wellbeing.

Skills

Plain-language writing

Stakeholder engagement

Policy interpretation

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Project prioritisation

Te Tiriti o Waitangi awareness

Education

Tertiary qualification or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

SharePoint

Content management systems

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.

• Take complex aviation regulations and policies and make them understandable

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

About the role

We are seeking a skilled Senior Advisor, Guidance to join our team on an 18 month fixed-term basis to support a programme of work to update the Civil Aviation Rules - an important step in keeping New Zealand's aviation system safe, efficient, and fit for the future.

This is a highly collaborative role that works closely with policy advisors, operational experts, legal specialists, and external stakeholders across the aviation sector.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the development and creation of high quality guidance materials including Advisory Circulars and other materials
• Translate complex policy, regulatory, and operational content into practical, plain-language documents.
• Assess rule and policy changes and determine guidance needs and priorities.
• Work cross-functionally with SMEs, communications specialists, legal advisors, and regulatory teams to ensure guidance is accurate, usable, and aligned with the overall Rules Project.
• Mentor and support other guidance advisors to strengthen organisation-wide capability.
• Uphold CAA's commitments to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, diversity and inclusion, and health, safety and wellbeing.

The salary band for this role is $98,689 to $120,641. Starting salaries are based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role, as well as internal relativities.

For more information on the role please view the position description.

What You'll Bring

You will be an experienced communicator and technical writer who excels at making complex information accessible and meaningful to diverse audiences.

Skills & Experience

• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience.
• Experience working in a government or regulatory sectors
• Proven experience developing guidance, manuals, technical documentation, or similar content
• Strong writing, editing, and information design skills, with a clear understanding of plain-language principles and accessibility standards.
• Ability to interpret and translate policy, operational, or technical information into user-friendly guidance.
• Experience collaborating with subject matter experts across policy, legal, and operational disciplines.
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills within highly technical environments
• Strong analytical capability, attention to detail, and ability to synthesise complex material.
• Ability to plan, prioritise, and deliver multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and content management systems.

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
• 10 days sick leave after 6-months of continuous employment
• Matching KiwiSaver contributions up to 4%
• Employee Assistance Programme