Senior Advisor, Regulatory Policy - Fixed Term/Secondment, Rules Update Programme

Play a pivotal role shaping the future of New Zealand’s aviation system

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Ministry of Transport are seeking an experienced Senior Advisor, Policy to support the CAA Rules Update Programme.

This is a unique cross-agency opportunity at the heart of regulatory reform—ideal for someone who thrives in complex systems, enjoys building strong relationships, and is motivated to deliver high-quality, evidence-based policy advice.

You will be part of ensuring the Ministry’s policy intent, system leadership role, and strategic objectives are reflected in the development of aviation regulation.

About the role

Playing a lead role in the Ministry’s team that is working on the CAA Rules Update Programme, you will:

• Provide well-reasoned, high-quality policy advice to ensure regulatory proposals align with Government priorities, transport system strategy, and the Ministry’s long-term objectives.
• Shape and support the development, prioritisation, and delivery of aviation rule changes, bringing a whole-of-system lens to aviation rulemaking.
• Strengthen cross-agency collaboration, working directly with CAA counterparts, other government agencies, and transport sector stakeholders.
• Help ensure the aviation regulatory framework remains safe, fit-for-purpose, future-focused, and aligned with the intent of legislation.
• Provide guidance, mentoring and on-the-job support to junior policy advisers when required.

This role will be employed by the CAA for a period of 2 years, and seconded to the Ministry of Transport.

What you will bring

We are looking for someone with:

• Strong experience in public sector policy development and analysis, including demonstrated political nous and an understanding of the machinery of government.
• Proven experience delivering complex policy projects or programmes under pressure and to tight timelines.
• An ability to interpret legislation, work within regulatory frameworks, and apply analytical frameworks to draw sound conclusions.
• Excellent relationship management skills—you will engage widely across the Ministry, CAA, Ministers’ offices, transport agencies, and other government organisations.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to convey complex issues clearly, succinctly and persuasively.
• Strong critical thinking skills and the ability to synthesise diverse information to inform high-quality advice.
• A relevant tertiary qualification.
• A commitment to supporting and promoting the Ministry’s values and diversity & inclusion principles.

Experience with regulatory systems is an advantage but not essential, though you must be able to quickly build expertise. Experience with the aviation system is also helpful.

The salary range for this role is $115 536 to $141 751. The starting salary will be dependent on your skills and experience and will take into account internal relativities within the team.

What we offer

• A unique cross-agency role at the intersection of policy, regulation, and operational rulemaking

• The opportunity to directly shape New Zealand’s aviation regulatory system
• A collaborative, supportive environment focused on high performance and public value
• A workplace committed to diversity, inclusion, and the wellbeing of our people

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and Cover Letter. Please note that your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so highlight how your experience aligns with the key skills required for this role.

We are committed to ensuring accessibility throughout the recruitment process. If there is any support, we can provide to ensure the process is equitable and accessible for you, please let us know.

For more information on the role, please view the position description. For any questions, please contact Patrice Wilkin on recruitment@caa.govt.nz. *Please note we can not accept email applications.

Applications close: Tuesday 06/01/2026.

*Please note: we will assess applications as they are received, and the closing date may be earlier.