Policy Advisor – Workplace Relations & Safety

About the role

Join the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) as a Policy Advisor and help shape New Zealand’s workplace legislation. You will work on high‑impact policy areas such as the minimum wage, holidays, parental leave, and health‑and‑safety regulations, collaborating with ministers, regulators and external stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and advise on policy proposals that may become legislation or regulations.
• Prepare briefing notes, Cabinet papers and advice for Ministers on priority policy issues.
• Contribute to drafting Bills or regulatory instruments for key government initiatives.
• Engage with the regulator to ensure effective implementation of new laws.
• Collaborate with the Employment Standards and Sectoral Health & Safety teams on cross‑ministerial projects.

Required profile

• Demonstrated experience in policy development or analysis, preferably in employment or health‑and‑safety contexts.
• Strong written communication skills for producing advice notes, reports and legislative drafts.
• Ability to work collaboratively across government departments, ministerial offices and external partners.
• Commitment to public service and delivering outcomes that affect New Zealand workers and businesses.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive salary range $75,114 – $93,724 per year (NZD).
• Permanent full‑time position based in Wellington Central.
• KiwiSaver contributions and wellness benefits.
• Opportunities to influence national policy and work directly with senior Ministers.
• Supportive, high‑performing team environment with professional development pathways.