We have an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled and passionate policy professional to join us as a Principal Analyst, to create positive change for Aotearoa.

• Contribute to positive climate action in Aotearoa by leading the development of advice and reports to the Government

• Join a team of climate change experts, delivering projects with impact

• Use your sharp mind, analytical and organisational and leadership skills in meaningful mahi

Mo mātou | About us:

The Commission was established by the Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Act 2019 ('the Zero Carbon Act'), which amended the Climate Change Response Act 2002 (CCRA).

The Commission plays a key role in developing and implementing clear and stable climate change policies in Aotearoa. We do this by providing independent, expert advice to the Government of Aotearoa New Zealand on both mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change. We also monitor and review the Government's progress towards its emissions reduction and adaptation goals.

In the past four years we've provided advice on the first three emissions budgets, the direction of the first and second emissions reduction plans, agricultural emissions pricing, NZ Emissions Trading Scheme settings and the first emissions reduction monitoring report. We will also be providing advice to the Government on the fourth emissions budget, the 2050 target and whether to include international shipping and aviation emissions into the 2050 target imminently. More details about our work programme can be found here: Upcoming Work

Ngā Tūnga | The Role:

The Built Environment and Energy Transition (BE&ET) team is looking for a Principal Analyst to join our energetic, friendly team.

The team is accountable for providing high-quality analysis and advice as it relates to all the Commission's CCRA statutory deliverables and ownership of the evidence base and technical engagement relating to the Built Environment and Energy Transition. The energy transition is an umbrella term that applies to the part of the economy that needs to transition away from fossil fuels for a net zero future, specifically, this relates to electricity, industry, transport and the built environment, infrastructure (other than waste) and local government portfolios. This includes both mitigation and adaptation analysis.

The Principal Analyst is a technical expert and leverages their extensive knowledge and experience to deliver clear, accurate, well-reasoned, and insightful analysis supporting the Commission's work programme requirements. They are responsible for creating and championing the use of evidence in analysis and providing guidance on delivery of the Commission's objectives.   

We are looking for an experienced policy professional with extensive climate mitigation and adaptation expertise in energy, industry, transport, or the built environment. While Principal Analysts may have expertise in specific areas, they will be expected to work collaboratively across a range of portfolios and projects to meet the needs of the Commission.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the wider success of the Commission. You will lead or contribute to technical and policy analysis, working closely with others the Commission to ensure the work has the greatest impact. Your work will involve navigating complex issues, developing new frameworks and approaches, managing relationships, and engaging with stakeholders as the Commission's advice is developed.  

Mō ēnei tūranga mahi | The role will involve:   

• Applying frameworks and undertaking quantitative and qualitative analysis to inform evidence based and independent advice.

• Framing and communicating advice in a way that recognises the needs and concerns of the audience.

• Working with other teams across the organisation to input into statutory deliverables.

• Understanding the political landscape including anticipating how messages may land with particular audiences.

• Contribute to the strategic direction of the Commission through considered input. Communicate how the strategy connects to the functions of the team.

• Undertaking qualitative analysis from a western and Te Ao Māori lens to inform evidence based and independent advice.

• Framing and communicating advice in a way that recognises the needs and concerns of the audience.

• Making sound, timely decisions that keep the organisation and work moving forward.

• Leading and contributing to multiple pieces of work concurrently.

• Supporting other Commission staff and contributing to the expert analysis provided to the Board, taking on feedback and making enhancements to enable effective decision making.

• Engaging with iwi/Māori in a manner that upholds Tikanga and recognises the Crown - Māori partnership under the Treaty of Waitangi.

The likely appointment range for this role is between $156,997 to $175,467 per annum, depending on skills and experience.

Ō pūmanawa | About you:

This role requires an experienced policy professional with excellent quantitative skills, and a willingness to innovate and deliver on time and to a high standard.

You will have or be developing towards the following:

• Extensive climate mitigation and adaptation experience, preferably in at least one of the energy, industry, transport, or built environment sectors.

• Analytical and critical reasoning skills, with experience in developing and implementing workable solutions to ambiguous and complex problems. 

• Strong quantitative and qualitative skills. 

• Sound judgement and awareness of the context within which advice is formulated and communicated.

• Highly developed communication skills, both oral and written.

• An understanding of te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi, Treaty principles, te ao Māori (including tikanga and kawa), and experience engaging with iwi and Māori. 

• Understanding of the government environment (desired but not essential).

• Relevant tertiary qualification and/or equivalent experience

Recognising Te Ao Māori is a key priority for the Commission. This means we work with the Crown's Treaty partner and grow our capability and capacity to accurately reflect Māori views and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in our work. 

We embrace diversity and inclusion and are committed to equality and equity. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Our head office is Wellington based; however, the Commission is a flexible by default organisation therefore we welcome applications from candidates who request to work remotely from locations across New Zealand.

Rā kati | Applications close: 5pm Monday 19 May 2025. For further questions regarding this role, please email Alexandra.Seton@climatecommission.govt.nz

Please note interviews will commence if we have suitable candidates prior to the closing date. To be considered for this role you must be currently able to live and work in NZ.