Policy Advisor

Ministry for the Environment

📍Wellington (NZ) 🕔 Full Time
💰 $80,712 to $97,721 NZD /year ⏳ 25/01/2026

This team is responsible for the strategic, economic, regulatory and operational policy work required to support the efficient and effective operation of the NZ ETS (Emission Trading Scheme).

This includes:

• Providing advice on the ETS including in relation to:  

• Annual adjustments to auction unit limits and price control settings  

• Regulations on the price of carbon, electricity allocation factors and similar

• Options for the future of the ETS

• Providing advice on the industrial allocation regime  

• Delivering existing industrial allocation policy

• Provide advice on future policy settings

• Engaging with external stakeholders

• International engagement on ETS policy and operations 

• Supporting ministers with stakeholder engagement with ETS participants/key stakeholders  

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

Demonstrated experience of developing end-to-end complex policy within the public sector 

• Ability to use a range of qualitative and quantitative analytical frameworks to develop policy advice, and to develop new frameworks.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Engagement with internal and external stakeholders

• Demonstrated understanding of the Machinery of Government

• Background in the ETS, markets, economics and/or finance would be beneficial 

Ngā hua ka puta i te mahi ki MfE | Benefits of working at MfE 

• a flexible by default approach to create a healthy work-life blend

• agile ways of working, allowing you variety and challenges across the organisation as we work as ‘One MfE'

• active employee networks including Māori Rōpū, Asian Network, Neurodivergent and Disability Networks, Women's Network, Tagata Moana (Pacific Peoples' Network), and Rainbow Network

• opportunities for development and education.         

Check out other benefits of joining us and hear what our people say about Working at MfE | Ministry for the Environment. 

Tono ināianei | Apply now  

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and cover letter.  Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.   

If you require further information about this position, please contact Nadine Eales at Nadine.eales1@mfe.govt.nz.  The position description is available via our careers centre www.mfe.govt.nz/jobs.

The location for this role is flexible which means you can work anywhere in New Zealand and there is an option to work from home.  As a flexible friendly employer, we are happy to discuss solutions that may work for you and the business.  We value and care about enabling our people to work in a way that means they can work at their best. 

We are committed to providing equal opportunities and actively strive to be a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture.  We actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.  We are proud to be a Rainbow Tick and Gender Tick certified organisation and are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. 

We want to ensure any accessibility needs you may have are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all.  Therefore, please let us know if there are any adjustments or support we can offer to make the recruitment process more accessible to you.  Please contact us at vacancy@mfe.govt.nz if you would like to discuss any accessibility needs you may have.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.