Lead Advisor, Regulatory Standards Board
Are you a seasoned professional looking for a unique opportunity?
Do you build trusted and effective relationships at all levels from board members and executive leaders through to on-the-ground subject matter experts?
Do you bring deep expertise in analysing legislation and advising on proposed bills?
This is a full-time permanent role based in central Wellington
About the Ministry for Regulation
The Ministry for Regulation is a small central agency with a big job to do. We are a small group of dedicated professionals, working in a 'can do' environment.
We work across the public service and the wider regulatory system to help ensure regulation protects people, supports prosperity, and delivers high-quality outcomes. Our operating environment is highly complex and politically sensitive, so clear, strategic communication is essential for building trust and supporting informed public understanding of our work.
About the role
We are seeking a deeply experienced professional to join our legal team to take charge of our relationship with the brand-new Regulatory Standards Board. You will most likely come from a legal background, although this role is not responsible for providing legal advice.
You’ll be a member of our small, centralised legal team, but your day-to-day work will predominantly focus on supporting the soon to be established Regulatory Standards Board to assess and analyse legislation and bills against the principles of responsible regulation.
You will be our in-house expert when it comes to the Board’s role in operationalising the Regulatory Standards Act 2025. As a member of a small team and Ministry, your ability to collaborate with a range of people will be key. You’ll demonstrate excellent professional judgement, pragmatism and quickly build credibility both with the Board and internal stakeholders.
You will
Be the key conduit between the Ministry and the Board alongside the secretariat
Work with the Head of Legal to develop the operating model between the Board and the Ministry
Provide analysis and assessment of existing legislation and Consistency Accountability Statements to the Board
Broker the information and services you need from Ministry teams
Ensure the Board has what it needs to deliver on its functions
Please see the job description here - Lead Advisor, Regulatory Standards Board
About you
We are looking for someone with a proven ability to:
demonstrate professional judgment and credibility in complex, fast-paced environments, including managing relationships with Board members
prioritise effectively and apply sound judgment about where to focus time and effort
identify and intervene early on emerging issues, including knowing when and how to escalate
engage with tact and confidence in difficult conversations
show courage, initiative, and innovative thinking
build and manage strong stakeholder relationships, with the ability to influence at all levels and to work collaboratively
manage competing priorities and tight timeframes with consistency and discipline
display high levels of personal resilience and emotional intelligence
take a practical, solutions focused approach to issues
negotiate and manage timeframes and resourcing for work programmes across different teams
What we can offer you
The opportunity to help shape a new function
A fantastic culture with a focus on transparency and collaboration
Flexible working, ongoing development and the chance to contribute to work that truly matters
Newly refurbished offices with a great view, footsteps from the Beehive
Salary range: $145,563 - $193,287, with appointment salary dependent on skills and experience.
How to apply
Please click the 'Apply Now' button and provide all the necessary information.
For further information please contact people@regulation.govt.nz
Applications close on Sunday 5 April 2026.
- Department
- Organisational Enablement
- Role
- Legal
- Locations
- Wellington
