Principal Advisor Regulation at Environmental Protection Authority

Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

30 Jul, 26

Salary

184495.0

Posted On

01 May, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Regulatory policy development, Policy implementation, Strategic policy, Operational policy, Regulatory stewardship, Legislative analysis, Machinery of government, Influencing skills, Relationship management, Problem solving, Critical analysis, Environmental law reform, Regulatory performance, Risk management

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Our purpose | To tatou kaupapa We are the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Aotearoa New Zealand’s independent environmental regulator. Our role is important: to help protect our country’s unique way of life by looking out for the health of its environment, its economy and its people. Our kaupapa is about making the right decisions based on evidence, mātauranga, and science. At the EPA, we encourage big ideas and bold goals. What we achieve today helps shape the future of New Zealand for generations to come. About our group | Mō te roopu The purpose of Kaupapa Kura Taiao group is to drive transformational change in the EPA, guided by Te Ao Māori and excellent regulatory practice aligned with He Whetū Mārama. Kaupapa Kura Taiao is made up of two business units each with specialist expertise that work across the EPA: Māori Engagement and Operations champions He Whetū Mārama and the EPA’s Mātauranga Framework; and leads Māori engagement to enable effective Māori participation in the EPA's policies, processes and decisions. Regulatory Policy works across the EPA and with relevant government agencies to develop and/ or amend the environmental legislation that the EPA operates under and to improve the EPA’s regulatory stewardship, processes, and capability. He Whetū Mārama is the framework that guides the EPA in the undertaking of its statutory and other obligations to Māori. It is based on our EPA wawata which recognises that the unique relationship of Māori to the environment informs EPA decision making.                            About the role | Mō te tūnga This is a fixed term role for 1 year This role is based in our Wellington office. Flexible working arrangements can be negotiated but a hybrid working model is preferred over full time working from home arrangements.  We are looking for a Principal Advisor to provide expert specialist regulatory policy advice for the EPA by supporting complex policy programmes on complicated issues with significant sensitivity and risk. Of particular focus is working with our policy ministry colleagues at the Ministry for the Environment to help influence environmental law reform, and to ensure that legislative changes can be effectively operationalised. We also work internally to support the EPA to continually improve its regulatory performance to enable improved environmental protection and reduced regulatory risk.   About you | Mōhou ake You will have legislative and regulatory policy background, ideally with experience in both “Big P” policy and operational policy roles. Experience in the natural resources sector is preferred but is not essential. Alongside this, we are looking for an individual with a range of skills and capabilities including: Experience in regulatory policy development and implementation 10+ years’ experience advising on matters of strategic, regulatory and/or operational policy in local or central government (as a guideline) Strong knowledge of policy frameworks and policy development process Strong knowledge of machinery of government processes, particularly in regards to the interface between parliament and the executive, and the role of crown entities Well established understanding of regulatory systems, including regulatory stewardship strategic, regulatory and operational policy Demonstrable ability to identify systemic issues that contribute to regulatory failure. Critical ability, including problem solving and analysis Strong influencing skills and ability to develop strong relationships and communicate well What’s in it for you | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou There are a range of benefits our people value: flexible working culture three additional paid leave days between Christmas and New Years in addition to four weeks’ annual leave $400 non-taxable payment to help you set up working at home an annual paid EPA Environment Day to support the community with environmental initiatives in-house Māori cultural capability building programme learning opportunities, including the annual EPA Symposium active and lively social club, and diverse groups and support networks EPA awards recognising individual and team effort relocation help for those moving to New Zealand from overseas. Salary range $122,997 – 184,495 per annum (midpoint $153,746). This is the full salary range. Appointments are made within the range depending on skills and experience. How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono Apply directly by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and cover letter. Please note: your cover letter will form a key part of our assessment process. Please highlight how your experience relates to the requirements for this role and tell us about you, your values and/or whakapapa and motivations for this role. View the Position Description or for further information, contact recruit@epa.govt.nz check out the careers section of our website www.epa.govt.nz/careers.  We are open to supporting inter-agency secondments. If possible, please discuss the prospect of joining us with your current manager, before submitting an application. Applications close | Rā Katinga Friday 5pm, 15 May 2026.

Responsibilities

The Principal Advisor provides expert regulatory policy advice to support complex policy programmes and environmental law reform. They work internally to improve regulatory performance and reduce regulatory risk while collaborating with government agencies.