Job Description

• Make a positive impact within a small central agency

• Work in a collaborative environment that values your professional input

• Provide leadership across government to improve regulatory quality

This is a full-time permanent role based in central Wellington.

About the Ministry for Regulation

The Ministry for Regulation is a small government agency with a big job to do.

We’re focused on lifting quality across all regulatory systems and supporting agencies with regulatory responsibilities to align with good practice. We want it to be easier for businesses to innovate, grow and comply, while still ensuring the benefits from regulation that we take for granted won’t change.

We are a small group of dedicated professionals, working in a 'can do' environment.

About the Role

As a Principal Adv isor, you will lead and contribute to regulatory reviews by using your expertise to build initiatives within a collaborative operating model that leverages experience from across the organisation.

Your work will include:

• Contributing to the Ministry’s wider initiatives, strategies and approaches through collaboration across all levels

• Leading key components of large-scale regulatory reviews and contribute to multiple concurrent workstreams

• Investigating and resolving complex, one-off regulatory issues raised by a range of stakeholders

• Analysing complex issues and providing clear, pragmatic advice and recommendations

• Supporting innovation to drive meaningful improvements across New Zealand’s regulatory systems

• Mentoring and supporting the development of team members while working collaboratively across government and with stakeholders.

You will bring:

• Experience in strategic policy, regulatory policy, economics, law, other relevant areas

• Demonstrated ability to deliver products or projects within ambitious timeframes

• Motivated to find pragmatic solutions to drive better regulatory outcomes, and bring an innovation mindset to how the government operates

• Ability to quickly grasp new subject matter areas and comfortable making measured judgements even in the face of incomplete information

• Advanced critical thinking, reasoning, and judgement, with the ability to apply this in a policy or regulatory context

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with numerical and/or data literacy, with the ability to communicate issues and concepts clearly and concisely

• Ability to understand the different perspectives and dynamics of all the parties in a regulatory system

• Demonstrated ability to identify the best process and/or framework to review a regulatory system or issue

• Ability to work independently within established boundaries, escalate issues and opportunities as needed, and adapt quickly to changing circumstances

• In depth understanding of the public sector, including how agencies work, and the broader machinery of government is desirable.

Please see the job description here: Principal Advisor, Reviews and System Capability

What we can offer you:

• Varied, meaningful work in a central agency context

• A supportive, professional team that values expertise, learning and collaboration

• Flexible working options and wellbeing benefits

• A modern office with great views, close to public transport.

Salary range: $127,142 - $168,973 dependent on skills and experience.

How to apply:

Please click the 'Apply Now' button and provide all the necessary information.

While we acknowledge that AI can be helpful, please make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your own voice and experiences.

Applications close on: Friday, 19 June 2026.

For any questions please contact: people@regulation.govt.nz