Attributes we are seeking

Acting with integrity, being objective and ethical underpins all the work we do as public servants.

In recruiting for all of our roles, we look for attributes described in our Edge behaviours.

We are looking for people who:

  • are naturally curious
  • understand that success is achieved through working with others in a way that builds great teams
  • are energised by learning and sharing knowledge
  • have a focus on results and learning from both your failures and achievements
  • have an affinity with design thinking
  • are passionate about gaining more skills and helping others do the same
  • have a problem-solving approach
  • are energised by challenges.

Skills we value

Science communication skills

The ability to communicate scientific concepts to others in a way that is meaningful to them without compromising the accuracy of scientific concepts or findings.

Ability to apply te ao Māori perspectives 

The ability to apply Māori worldviews in a way that makes a meaningful difference to policy advice, partnerships and relationships with others. 

Communication and relationship building

With a specific emphasis on engaging with people outside central government, from different backgrounds, and with different interests, priorities and ideas.

Great interactions with the public and stakeholders outside MfE will:

  • inform policy advice 
  • identify opportunities for partnerships and support action by others
  • support implementation of government policies – ensuring the underlying intent of policies is understood and translates into action.

Learning agility 

This involves looking for different ways of achieving environmental outcomes or cracking complex problems. It requires a workforce that brings different skills – and is willing to learn new ways of doing things.

Key roles at MfE

Kaitātari - Analyst

The kaitātari - analyst role is a great role for you to kick start your career in the Ministry. 

As an analyst you will:

  • contribute to the preparation and drafting of policy documents, legislation, regulations, guidelines and ad-hoc policy advice 
  • contribute to ministerial services including responses to correspondence, information requests and parliamentary questions
  • undertake data collection, research, surveys, investigations and data analysis, and draft related reports.

Kaitātari kaupapa - Policy analyst

The kaitātari kaupapa - policy analyst role supports the delivery of MfE’s objectives by contributing to the development of high-quality innovative evidence-based interventions. 

  • You will be exposed to a range of policy issues as you apply your transferable skills across projects and divisions. You will start with routine low-risk policy and supporting tasks and progress to taking responsibility for policy tasks of medium complexity.
  • Your work may be stand-alone or part of larger or more complex policy issues led by senior policy analysts or principal analysts.

We also have the role of Kaitātari kaupapa matua - senior policy analyst.

Kaitohutohu mātāmua - Principal advisor

You will work with MfE’s senior leadership team working alongside and supporting managers as you contribute to a range of activities across MfE and government.

Your work requires you to: 

  • have a thorough understanding of the strategic context in which MfE operates
  • understand the priorities and perspectives of Ministers, partner agencies and key external stakeholders and how to balance these against organisational priorities
  • be fully aware of MfE's political, external and historical drivers
  • provide technical and analytical leadership on complex issues where the development of new frameworks and approaches may be needed
  • operate with a high degree of accountability and judgement as you will be dealing with complexity and risk associated with policy and operational issues  
  • assist analysts to understand the ways in which day-to-day work contributes to meeting high-level strategic objectives
  • play an essential role as coach and mentor to staff and management. You may at times lead across various teams on significant projects.    

As a rule, you will not have direct reports as a principal advisor. 

Organisational performance roles

We also have roles for people who are future-focused and customer-oriented in a range of disciplines including:

  • legal
  • procurement
  • communications
  • ministerial services
  • people and capability
  • finance
  • information technology.

Hear from staff about working in policy development and implementation