Kaitohutohu Matua | Senior Advisor - Communications

Mo tenei turangi mahi | About this role

The purpose of this role is to provide strategic advice and tactical delivery for communications across priority Ministry mahi, and support for Ministerial-led communications.

The role may hold key relationships within a Minister's office, and is likely to lead relationships across MfE on related portfolios of work.

The role provides robust advice on strategic communications, including risk management, media opportunities and storytelling.

The successful candidate will build collaborative relationships within the External Affairs business unit (communications, channels and engagement), and across the Ministry, and will provide practical, well-considered solutions to communications challenges.

This role will mainly focus on climate change communications at the Ministry.

The Communications team at MfE is responsible for building and protecting MfE's reputation to support its role as stewards of the environmental management system.

The team liaises with other agencies to ensure aligned messaging and approach for key work programmes across government.

Through its internal communications function, it helps generate positive engagement with kaimahi, connecting people and teams with the Ministry's strategic priorities.

We're looking for an experienced creative and strategic all-rounder with a passion to help New Zealand's environment flourish now and into the future.

We want you to come equipped with communications experience in strategy development, delivery-focussed implementation, and in working with the media.

Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experience

Experience providing communications advice in a complex environment

Experience developing and executing successful communications and engagement strategies

Experience project managing medium to large communications projects carrying some communication risk.

Are a natural story-teller who can share perspectives across our communications and stakeholder channels

Are experienced in transforming complex information into simple, digestible content

Have strong political acumen and a nose for risk and opportunity

Get what the media needs and know how to pitch a great story

Understand the importance of stakeholder engagement, collaboration, and partnership

Can build trusted relationships at all levels, internally and externally

Are agile and happy rolling up your sleeves to help other team members when needed wherever necessary

Are a multi-tasker who can manage several conflicting priorities at the same time, and delivering them on time, to a high-standard

Experience with iwi and Pasifika communications and content is a plus.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills and an understanding of the principles of the Plain Language Act

Previous climate change comms experience, or other relevant areas such as energy, transport, or agriculture, is advantageous.

Whanuitanga Utu a-Tau | Salary range

Salary range for this role is $110,501 to $134,128 pa.

Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience.

Nga hua ka puta i te mahi ki MfE | Benefits of working at MfE

a flexible working approach to embrace a healthy work-life blend

agile ways of working, allowing you variety and challenges across the organisation as we work as 'One MfE'

active employee networks including Maori Ropu, Asian Network, Neurodivergent and Disability Networks, Women's Network, Tagata Moana (Pacific Peoples' Network), and Rainbow Network

opportunities for development and education.

Check out other benefits of joining us and hear what our people say about Working at MfE | Ministry for the Environment.

Tono inaianei | Apply now

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and cover letter.

Note : your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.

If you require further information about this position please contact

The position description is available via our careers centre .

The location for this role is flexible which means you can work anywhere in New Zealand and there is an option to work from home.

As a flexible friendly employer, we are happy to discuss solutions that may work for you and the business.

We value and care about enabling our people to work in a way that means they can work at their best.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities and actively strive to be a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture.

We actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

We are proud to be a Rainbow Tick and Gender Tick certified organisation and are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.

We want to ensure any accessibility needs you may have are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all.

Therefore, please let us know if there are any adjustments or support we can offer to make the recruitment process more accessible to you.

Please contact us at

• if you would like to discuss any accessibility needs you may have.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.

Note : for internal permanent kaimahi who are applying for a secondment, you must speak with your Manager before submitting your application.

Ra Katinga | Applications close : Sunday 23rd November