Senior Advisor, Regulatory Policy - Fixed Term, Rules Update Programme

Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand; Wellington; On-site; NZD 116,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand is seeking a Senior Advisor, Regulatory Policy to lead policy work in the Rules Update Programme, guiding modernisation of the Civil Aviation Rules in collaboration with technical specialists, legal advisors, and industry stakeholders.

You will deliver policy advice, design regulatory interventions, and engage with international partners, ensuring New Zealand's aviation framework remains clear, future-focused, and aligned with international standards.

Qualifications

• Experience developing policy within a regulatory environment.
• Strong understanding of government decision-making processes.
• Ability to analyse complex information and provide sound recommendations.
• Excellent written communication skills and attention to detail.
• Confidence presenting advice to senior decision-makers.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Ability to influence and build credibility across diverse groups.
• Experience leading projects and delivering outcomes in complex environments.
• Commitment to collaboration and knowledge sharing with colleagues.
• Sound judgement, initiative, and a proactive approach to problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of evidence-based regulatory policy advice.
• Drive policy projects that support the modernisation of aviation rules.
• Develop regulatory interventions that strengthen aviation safety outcomes.
• Support the design and implementation of fit-for-purpose regulatory frameworks.
• Prepare high-quality briefings and advice for senior leaders and Ministers.
• Engage with industry, government agencies, and international stakeholders.
• Lead consultation activities and support sector-wide engagement processes.
• Analyse complex issues and identify practical policy solutions.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to achieve programme outcomes.

Skills

Regulatory policy

Stakeholder engagement

Policy development

Project leadership

Analytical thinking

Written communication

Decision making

Job description

About The Role

As a Senior Advisor, Regulatory Policy in the Rules Update Programme, you’ll help shape the future of New Zealand’s aviation system by leading regulatory policy work that supports the modernisation of the Civil Aviation Rules. Working closely with technical specialists, operational experts, legal advisors, and industry stakeholders, you’ll deliver policy advice and regulatory solutions that ensure New Zealand’s aviation framework remains clear, effective, future-focused, and aligned with international standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of evidence-based regulatory policy advice.
• Drive policy projects that support the modernisation of aviation rules.
• Develop regulatory interventions that strengthen aviation safety outcomes.
• Support the design and implementation of fit-for-purpose regulatory frameworks.
• Prepare high-quality briefings and advice for senior leaders and Ministers.
• Engage with industry, government agencies, and international stakeholders.
• Lead consultation activities and support sector-wide engagement processes.
• Analyse complex issues and identify practical policy solutions.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to achieve programme outcomes.

The salary range for this role is $115,536 to $141,751. Starting salaries are based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role, as well as internal relativities.

This is an 18-month fixed term contract.

What You'll Bring

• Experience developing policy within a regulatory environment.
• Strong understanding of government decision-making processes.
• Ability to analyse complex information and provide sound recommendations.
• Excellent written communication skills and attention to detail.
• Confidence presenting advice to senior decision-makers.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Ability to influence and build credibility across diverse groups.
• Experience leading projects and delivering outcomes in complex environments.
• Commitment to collaboration and knowledge sharing with colleagues.
• Sound judgement, initiative, and a proactive approach to problem solving.

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 fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive environment where everyone feels respected, safe, and valued. Our people are central to our success.

Why Join Us?

• This is a unique opportunity to influence how aviation rules are implemented and understood across New Zealand. Your work will directly support safer operations, clearer compliance pathways, and a more effective aviation regulatory system - during a time of major transformation.

At the CAA, you’ll find:

• Work that directly contributes to public and sector safety
• A collaborative and supportive environment
• Opportunities to shape national guidance frameworks
• A diverse and inclusive workplace that values your expertise and perspective

Applications close: Tuesday 15 September 2026