Job DescriptionFixed term or Secondment opportunity to June 2026 (covering secondment)Mō te tūranga mahi | About the roleOur Upholding Treaty Settlements team is looking for a Kaitohutohu Mātāmua / Principal Advisor. The team provides expert advice and assistance in relation to Treaty settlements and other Treaty-related agreements, for example Takutai Moana arrangements. The team also ensures settlement and related arrangements are upheld through policy development and outcome.Responsibilities of the role include:
Supporting policy teams across the organisation to understand the implications policy development has for Treaty settlements, and to work through how settlements can be upheld.
Embedding team members within policy teams to provide a settlements lens across the policy work programme.
Developing policy advice for Ministers around how to uphold settlements and other arrangements within wider policy decision-making.
Working alongside the Treaty-based relationships team to ensure that post-settlement governance entities (PSGEs) and other groups views on upholding settlements are considered in the policy process.
Working alongside other agencies on complex policy matters relating to the upholding of settlements and other arrangements.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
Proven ability to lead complex cross-governmental policy development and/or implementation programmes.
Proven ability to provide practical policy advice to solve/address problems.
Experience providing high quality written and oral briefings to Ministers for meetings with iwi.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and an ability to tailor to different audiences, delivering work efficiently and to a high standard.
Highly developed knowledge and practical skills and experience in:
Te Tiriti o Waitangi
Treaty settlements and other arrangements, the Treaty settlement process and historical context
the Māori Crown relationship context
Demonstrated knowledge of te ao Māori perspectives and Māori rights and interests.
Possesses a deep understanding of the machinery of government, exceptional written and oral communication skills, and proficiency in policy development.
Deep understanding of the Government's priorities and the relevant political context that shapes decision making.
Adept at mentoring and coaching junior team members, leading complex projects, and offering thought leadership through advanced expertise and experience.
Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau | Salary rangeSalary range for this role is $142,185 to $172,853 pa. Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience.Ngā 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 Māori Rōpū, 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 of joining us and hear what our people say about .Tono ināianei | Apply nowApply 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 Sam Ritchie at . 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.Rā Katinga | Applications close: Tuesday, 16 September 2025
