Senior Advisor - Operational Policy (Rules Update Programme)

Senior Advisor - Operational Policy, Rules Update Programme. 

• 18 month fixed term contract role
• Hybrid role – minimum 3 days in office
• Take complex aviation regulations and policies and bring them to life. 

At the Civil Aviation Authority, we don’t just keep New Zealand’s skies safe and secure, we help shape the future of aviation. 

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Advisor, Operational Policy to join our team on an 18 month fixed-term basis to support the Rules Update Programme.  

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a significant programme of work updating New Zealand's Civil Aviation Rules, ensuring the aviation regulatory system remains effective, efficient, and fit for the future.

As a Senior Advisor, Operational Policy, you will lead the development of operational policy documents that support the implementation of regulatory change. Working closely with policy advisors, subject matter experts, legal specialists, communications professionals, and operational managers and senior leaders, you will translate policy intent into practical operational policies, procedures, processes, and worktools that can be consistently applied across the Authority.

You will also help establish approaches to assess the effectiveness of operational policy, supporting continuous improvement and informed regulatory decision-making

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the development of operational policy documents that support the implementation of updated Civil Aviation Rules.
• Translate complex legislative, regulatory, and policy requirements into practical operational policy documents that align with our Strategy and regulatory approach.
• Engage with operational managers, subject matter experts and key stakeholders to develop operational policy documents that are fit for purpose and support our frontline staff
• Research and apply national and international best practice to operational policy development.
• Partner with regulatory, legal, communications, learning and capability teams to support successful implementation and embedding of new operational policy.
• Develop measures and evaluation approaches to assess the effectiveness of operational policy and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Support organisational objectives relating to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, diversity and inclusion, and health, safety and wellbeing.

The salary band for this role is $115,536 to $141,751. Starting salaries are based on knowledge, skills and experience.

For more information on the role please view the position description..

What You'll Bring

You will be a highly capable policy professional with experience developing operational policy within complex regulatory, government, or operational environments.

Skills and Experience

• Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Significant experience developing operational policy, regulatory frameworks, guidance material, or related business practices.
• Experience working within a regulatory, government, or highly technical environment.
• Strong ability to analyse complex legislation, policy, and technical information and translate it into practical operational solutions.
• Proven ability to engage, influence, and build strong working relationships with operational leaders, subject matter experts, and key stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex concepts to a range of audiences.
• Experience leading pieces of work and driving outcomes across multiple stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organisational, planning, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to team success.
• Knowledge of aviation regulatory systems would be advantageous but is not essential.

About us

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is New Zealand’s aviation safety and security regulator. We play a critical role in protecting the travelling public, supporting the aviation sector, and strengthening New Zealand’s international reputation.

Our vision is simple and powerful: A safe and secure aviation system – so people are safe, and feel safe when they fly.

Our values: Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Transparency, and Collaboration guide everything we do. We’re committed to diversity, inclusion, and creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to contribute.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in one of the Authority's most significant regulatory programmes. Your work will directly influence how modernised aviation rules are implemented and embedded across the aviation system.

Benefits include:

• 5 weeks annual leave
• 10 days sick leave after 6 months' continuous service
• KiwiSaver employer contributions of up to 4%
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Annual flu vaccinations

Ready to Apply?

If you're passionate about regulatory effectiveness, policy development, and improving safety and security outcomes through practical operational solutions, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply directly by completing the online application form (please note emailed applications will not be considered). Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the skills required for this role.

If you have any questions about the role or application process, contact the Recruitment team at recruitment@caa.govt.nz

Applications close: 

Please be aware that we may start shortlisting as applications come in. We encourage early applications, as the advertisement may close sooner than stated.