Senior Advisor - Natural Hazards Policy

• Fixed Term until 26 February 2027
• Based in Christchurch, Auckland or Wellington

About us

The Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT) takes a long-term view of how New Zealand’s towns, cities and regions grow and change. We work across housing, transport, the environment, urban development, infrastructure and investment, and partner closely with local government.
We provide joined-up policy and investment advice to government, support effective regulation and market settings, and work with others to help deliver affordable housing, connected communities, well-planned infrastructure, and a healthy, sustainable environment.

About the role

We are looking for an experienced policy professional to join the natural hazards policy team to drive the development of policy which integrates understanding of natural hazard constraints into policy to direct the development of spatial plans.
The Natural Hazards Policy team - part of the wider Climate Adaptation Business Unit, is progressing groundbreaking policy that enables people and places to thrive, now and in the future. Our team is responsible for policy advice on natural hazards, in particular the identification, and assessment of the risk posed by natural hazards (including those exacerbated by climate change) and ways to reduce the impacts of natural hazards on people and communities.
The natural hazards policy team is integrally involved in the development of the new Resource Management System Reforming the resource management system – replacing the RMA | Ministry for the Environment and National Adaptation Framework Adaptation framework | Ministry for the Environment. Within this context, our team provides advice on how to:

• Ensure that new development is resilient
• Support community led planning to adapt to the impacts of climate change
• Improve the information and methods communities, businesses and individuals use to understand and respond to risks from natural hazards
• Prepare to recover more quickly from natural disasters
• Reduce the risk from natural hazards

Skills and experience

• At least 5 years experience central government policy experience and a strong understanding of the resource management system.
• Interest or experience in spatial planning processes
• Interest or experience in local government management of risk from natural hazards, ideally through resource management planning.
• Experience leading projects across teams.
• Ability to work well as part of a remote team in a highly collaborative environment.
• Strong relationship management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience delivering high quality work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to think creatively to achieve results and produce credible advice on complex technical matters.
• Commitment to developing your cultural capability and capacity in te ao Māori.

Salary range
Salary range for this role is $111,827 to $135,738 pa.  Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience.
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 [email hidden].
We are committed to equal opportunities and building a diverse, inclusive workplace. We support our people to work in ways that help them do their best. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
We want our recruitment process to be fair and accessible for everyone. If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know or get in touch at [email hidden].
You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.
Note: for our internal permanent people who are applying for a secondment, you must speak with your Manager before submitting your application.
Applications close: Sunday 11th October 2026
Please note, we are managing this recruitment directly. We are not accepting unsolicited profiles from recruitment agencies for this vacancy.