Job Description

About Us | Mō mātou    

The Regulatory and Identity Services Taituarā branch regulates systems and provide services that touch almost every New Zealander. Our diverse, nationwide and international team works at the intersection of innovation and integrity, with a strong commitment to cultural responsibility and authentic engagement with Māori and Pasifika communities.

The AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act) function plays a critical role in protecting New Zealand’s financial system by developing clear, practical, and risk based operational policy that supports effective compliance with the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009. We work closely with government partners, regulated entities, and international counterparts to maintain a system that is robust, proportionate, and future focused.

The role | Te tūnga   

As Principal Advisor – Operational Policy (AML/CFT), you will provide strategic leadership and subject matter expertise across New Zealand’s AML/CFT operational policy framework. This is a senior, influential role where you will lead the development and review of exemptions, rules, codes of practice, and guidance that support consistent, risk-based implementation of the AML/CFT regime.

You will work closely with engagement, legal, intelligence, and supervision teams, as well as partner agencies such as the Financial Intelligence Unit and Ministry of Justice, translating complex legislative intent into clear and usable regulatory settings. You’ll provide authoritative advice to senior leaders and Ministers, contribute to cross agency and international forums, and help shape a future focused AML/CFT system that supports both integrity and innovation.

This is a fixed term position through to 30 June 2027, open to candidates in Auckland or Wellington.

What you bring | Nōu te rourou

• Deep regulatory and operational policy expertise, with extensive experience designing and delivering complex policy instruments within a legislative or compliance framework (ideally AML/CFT or financial regulation).
• Strategic leadership and judgement, with a proven ability to provide authoritative, evidence-based advice to senior leaders and Ministers on complex and high-risk issues.
• Strong analytical and conceptual capability, including the ability to translate legislation, international standards, and risk information into clear, practical guidance.
• Influential stakeholder engagement skills, with experience working across agencies, regulated sectors, and international environments to build alignment and credibility.
• Programme leadership and delivery focus, with ability to manage multiple interrelated workstreams and deliver quality outcomes in a dynamic environment.

For you | Mōu 

At the Department of Internal Affairs, we are committed to offering a collaborative and innovative culture where your perspective and ideas will be welcomed. We want our people to thrive within a culture of best practice, while being able to set and achieve goals and being encouraged to challenge the status quo.  

To learn more about the diverse, important mahi we do at the Department and see why we're a great place to work check out our website  https://www.dia.govt.nz/ 

Benefits -  About Internal Affairs - Careers with us - Benefits - dia.govt.nz 

The appointing range for this role is $129,510 - $161,167. 

To review the full job description, please click here. 

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono 

We are unable to accept applications via email. Please click the apply button to submit your application. 

We're committed to ensuring our application process is accessible to everyone. Please let us know if there is any support, we can provide to ensure the process is accessible to you.  

Applications for this role close 5pm, Sunday 24 May 2026. Please also note that you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this role. 

Additionally, you must have the ability to obtain and maintain an appropriate security clearance, if required. Use this tool to check if you might be eligible for a security clearance:  Eligibility self-check tool | Protective Security Requirements

If you have any questions, please email Manager Operational Policy Regulatory Services and Digital Safety, Natalie Stagg - natalie.stagg@dia.govt.nz