Senior Advisor, Guidance

Job description:

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

As the industry evolves, so do we, through innovative technology, new ways of working, and a team of people who are passionate about what they do.

With a new strategy to support this, we've got clarity on CAA's long-term vision, where we will focus our effort, and the positive impacts we want to make through the delivery of our safety and security activities.

Part of this is a work programme to update the Civil Aviation Rules — an important step in keeping New Zealand's aviation system safe, efficient, and fit for the future. Now's the time to get on board and help us ensure that the rules remain responsive to technological change, evolving industry needs, and international standards.

If you're ready to grow your career while helping keep one of New Zealand's most vital sectors safe and secure, this is your opportunity.

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled Senior Advisor, Guidance to join our team on a fixed-term basis to support the Civil Aviation Rules Update Programme — a 2-year  modernisation of  New Zealand's aviation rules framework.

In this role, you will lead the creation of high-quality guidance materials—including Advisory Circulars (ACs)—that help sector participants and CAA staff understand and apply the Civil Aviation Rules. Your work will ensure regulatory requirements are translated into clear, practical, and accessible documents that support compliance, safety, and consistent decision-making.

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

This is a 2-year fixed term contract.

What You'll Do

As Senior Advisor, Guidance, you will:

• Lead the development of Advisory Circulars and other guidance materials that explain acceptable means of compliance with Civil Aviation Rules and ICAO Standards/Recommended Practices.
• 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.
• Coordinate reviews, incorporate feedback, and continuously refine content for clarity and consistency.
• Track progress, identify risks and issues, and provide updates on guidance development activities.
• Mentor and support other guidance advisors to strengthen organisation-wide capability.
• Contribute positively to team planning, continuous improvement initiatives, and organisational priorities.
• Uphold CAA's commitments to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, diversity and inclusion, and health, safety and wellbeing.

The salary range for this role is $98 689 to $ The starting salary will be dependent on your skills and experience and will take into account internal relativities within the team.

What You 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.
• Proven experience developing guidance, manuals, technical documentation, or similar content—ideally in a regulatory or government environment.
• 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.
• 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.

Experience in the aviation, transport, or regulatory sectors is beneficial but not essential.

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

Apply Now

If you're passionate about clear communication, regulatory effectiveness, and supporting safe aviation outcomes, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply directly
 by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and Cover Letter. Please note that your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so highlight how your experience aligns with the key skills required for this role.

We are committed to ensuring accessibility throughout the recruitment process. If there is any support, we can provide to ensure the process is equitable and accessible for you, please let us know.

For more information on the role, please view the position description. For any questions, please contact Patrice Wilkin on  *Please note we can not accept email applications.

Applications close: 
Tuesday 06/01/2026.

*Please note: we will assess applications as they are received, and the closing date may be earlier.