Senior Policy Advisor | Tourism Stewardship and Systems

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment; Wellington; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

A New Zealand government agency is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor in Wellington to shape and lead policy advice on tourism. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in policy development, analytical skills, and excellent stakeholder engagement. This role offers a competitive salary of $110,098 - $138,028 and a permanent, full-time position.

Benefits

KiwiSaver

Wellness Benefits

Qualifications

• Depth of experience at Senior Policy Advisor level in central government.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience in economic development or tourism policy is valuable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver complex projects.
• Provide robust advice on tourism policy.
• Engage with diverse stakeholders including Ministers.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Job description

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

Actively shape and lead policy advice on the Government’s role in tourism in Aotearoa. Apply your expertise to system-wide issues in a fast-paced environment, while mentoring and coaching team members.

Salary: $110,098 - $138,028 + KiwiSaver + Wellness Benefits. Permanent, full time role based in Wellington CBD.

Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:

Tourism is a vital pillar of New Zealand’s economy, as our second largest export earner and supporting over 6.4% of total employment. With $44.4 billion in total tourism expenditure in the year ending March 2024, the sector plays a key role in New Zealand’s regional development, international engagement, and sustainable growth.

The Government has set an ambitious goal to double the value of tourism exports over the next ten years and is currently undertaking a review of the tourism system to support this goal. As a Senior Policy Advisor in this space, you will play a leading role in delivering on this work programme, across issues such as how to best drive demand from international visitors and ensuring the system has the right infrastructure and funding in place to support long-term growth for our people and places.

About The Team

In the Tourism Stewardship and Systems team, we develop a deep understanding of the costs and benefits of tourism in New Zealand. We think strategically about the role of Government in supporting the growth of tourism in New Zealand and how the system should be set up to support our long-term goals.

Why work for us?

Developing our policy staff is a key focus for MBIE. We have a culture where policy staff are empowered to bring fresh perspectives to issues and to think ‘outside the box’. Being the largest ‘policy shop’ in New Zealand, MBIE offers significant opportunity for developing experience across a broad variety of areas.

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana -

Experience in economic development or tourism policy would be valuable, as would experience in interpreting data and applying quantitative skills to produce insightful and evidence-based policy advice. Most important is the ability to think analytically and strategically through issues.

• Have a depth of experience at Senior Policy Advisor level in central government (or immediately comparable experience with a strong understanding of government policy processes).
• Are a strong critical thinker and problem solver, and can apply advanced analytical frameworks and methods of analysis to consider issues and assess policy options.
• Are comfortable dealing with ambiguity to shape complex and unclear policy issues into tractable policy problems.
• Can effectively lead and deliver complex projects and provide robust advice.
• Develop credible, respected relationships and engage with diverse stakeholders (including Ministers, staff in partner agencies, industry partners, and other key external stakeholders).
• Communicate complex issues clearly and coherently.
• Have provided and want to further develop coaching and mentoring support to others.
• Have a positive, ‘can-do’ attitude and be flexible and adaptive to changes in requirements.
• Have the legal right to live and work in NZ.

Ētahi kōrero mō MBIE - About MBIE:

MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders. Our work is underpinned by one clear aspiration, to Grow New Zealand for All.

• Mahi Tahi – Better Together
• Māia – Bold and brave
• Pae Kahurangi – Build our Future
• Pono Me Te Tika – Own It

Me pēhea te tono - How to Apply:

Click here to view a position description. All applications must be submitted via our online process and include a Cover Letter and CV tailored to the advert and PD outlining your interest and suitability for the role.

Email Jackie Johnson at [e-mail] quoting ref MBIE/18077 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on 22nd October 2025 at 11.59pm.