Policy Advisor

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE
- Contribute to the transformation of New Zealand’s energy sector
- Join us on a significant and exciting programme of work to ensure we're ready for net zero 2050
- Appointing salary range $72,869.00 - $90,995.00, plus KiwSaver and Wellness Benefit.
- Permanent full time position based in Wellington.
- MBIE supports a wide range of flexible working arrangements. Talk to us about what might work for both you and us.

**Tēnei tūranga - About the Role**:
Our energy system is at the centre of Aotearoa’s decarbonisation challenge. The Energy and Resource Markets (ERM) branch of around 150 professionals is responsible for providing robust strategic, policy and regulatory advice on energy markets, operational regulation, and compliance services. We have an ambitious and exciting work programme ahead to lead the energy and resource sector’s transition to a low-emissions economy. To help New Zealand get to net zero emissions by 2050 we need changes to the way electricity is generated, the type of energy we use, and how we use it. This includes the energy we use to power our homes and drive our cars and the energy used by industry and businesses. Our work impacts the daily lives of New Zealanders. We grow opportunities (Puāwai), guard and protect (Kaihāpai) and innovate and navigate towards a better future (Auaha).The Energy and Resource Markets Branch in MBIE is embarking on a significant and exciting new programme of work to ensure our energy system is ready for the transition ahead. Some of the key projects underway and coming up across the branch are:

- We’re piloting community based renewable energy projects that support access to secure, renewable and more affordable energy in low-income communities.
- We’re developing a hydrogen roadmap to guide the development and use of hydrogen in New Zealand.
- We’re developing a new regulatory framework for offshore renewable energy, like offshore wind, to improve certainty for investors and ensure we strike the right balance with other priorities such as fisheries and marine protection.
- We’re developing an energy strategy to address complex energy challenges and signal pathways away from fossil fuels.
- We’re looking at the electricity market and whether additional measures or policies are needed to support secure and affordable electricity supply as we transition to a more renewable system.
- We’re working out how to phase out the use of fossil gas (or natural gas) and instead use new renewable gases like hydrogen and biomethane in its place.
- We’re supporting our businesses and industries to run on, and produce products made with, renewables and to use energy more efficiently.
- We’re investigating renewable electricity storage options - including a pumped hydro scheme, hydrogen and biomass - that could replace the role of gas and coal, especially when there is not enough rainfall to fill our hydro-lakes.

**The work is transformational and strategic**: a new branch operating model with newly created positions is now in place to set the function up for success.

Our branch is a fun, collaborative, fast-paced and supportive environment, with established peer learning initiatives, policy fora and cross-team working, and lots of opportunities for engaging with stakeholders.All our people are talented and unique. We work towards creating a workplace environment where you belong and that enables and allows you to do what you do best. We support diversity so that together we can do work that positively impacts the lives of all New Zealanders.

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana - Skills and Experience Required

The role of Policy Advisor may be of interest to you if you have a background in public policy, economics, planning and resource management, climate change, behavioural science, a regulator, law, engineering or the energy, communications, business analysis or similar infrastructure sectors.

Please refer to the linked position description below for the competencies required for these positions.

**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.

We do this by working with others to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities and by working to ensure quality housing is more affordable.

People are at the heart of our mahi, our way of working is guided by our values which shape our behaviours.
- Mahi Tahi - Better Together
- Māia - Bold and brave
- Pae Kahurangi - Build our Future
- Pono Me Te Tika - Own It

Our aspirations are echoed in our Māori identity - Hīkina Whakatutuki - which broadly means ‘lifting to make successful'.
MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Māori and th