Senior Advisor People & Capability
Our purpose | To tatou kaupapa
We are the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Aotearoa New Zealand’s independent environmental regulator. Our role is important: to help protect our country’s unique way of life by looking out for the health of its environment, its economy and its people.
Our kaupapa is about making the right decisions based on evidence, mātauranga, and science. At the EPA, we encourage big ideas and bold goals.
What we achieve today helps shape the future of New Zealand for generations to come.
Jump in the waka - make history with us.
About our team | Mō te roopu
The People and Capability (P&C) team sits within Corporate Services. We lead people strategies and deliver services that build capability, culture, and performance across the EPA.
We partner with leaders to support recruitment, employment relations, learning and development, organisational development, and workforce planning.
About the role | Mō te tūnga
This role is based in our Wellington office. We support flexible working, but it’s not a fully remote role.
As a Senior Advisor P&C, you’ll be a trusted partner to leaders. You’ll provide expert advice across a broad range of HR areas, with a focus on employment relations, organisational change, and workforce capability.
You’ll have the opportunity to be involved in and lead interesting and exciting organisational development initiatives including talent management, diversity and employee engagement.
In this role, you will:
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Partner with leaders to lift capability, performance, and engagement
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Provide expert advice on employment relations and complex people issues
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Lead or support organisational change and workforce planning
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Deliver and contribute to P&C projects and initiatives
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Coach leaders to build confidence and self-sufficiency
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Ensure HR practices align with legislation and best practice
What success looks like:
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Leaders are confident and well supported in people decisions
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Employment issues are resolved early and effectively
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Change initiatives are delivered well and understood by kaimahi
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P&C initiatives add clear value to the organisation
About you | Mōhou ake
We’re looking for someone with strong HR experience and a collaborative, practical approach.
You will bring:
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5+ years of broad HR generalist experience, ideally in the public sector
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Strong knowledge of NZ employment law and HR best practice
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Proven experience coaching and influencing people leaders
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Experience managing employment relations issues end-to-end
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Confidence working in complex or changing environments
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Strong communication, judgement, and problem-solving skills
It would be great if you also have:
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Understanding of Te Ao Māori and how it applies to HR practice
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Knowledge of public sector systems and expectations
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Experience delivering HR projects or initiatives
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Experience with HR systems (e.g. SuccessFactors)
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A Korn Ferry job evaluation accreditation/experience
What’s in it for you | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou
There are extra benefits to working at the EPA:
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flexible working culture
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three additional paid leave days between Christmas and New Years in addition to four weeks’ annual leave
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$400 non-taxable payment to help you set up working at home
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an annual paid EPA Environment Day to support the community with environmental initiatives
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in-house Māori cultural capability building programme
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learning opportunities, including the annual EPA Symposium
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active and lively social club, and diverse groups and support networks
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EPA awards recognising individual and team effort
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relocation help for those moving to New Zealand from overseas.
Salary range
$103,473 – $155,209 per annum (midpoint $129,341).
This is the full salary range of the band (80% to 120%). Appointments will generally be made at or below the midpoint of this range, depending on skills and experience.
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
Complete the online application form and submit your CV and a covering letter.
Please note: your covering letter is an important part of our assessment process. Please highlight how your experience relates to this role, and why you applied. Tell us about you, your values and/or whakapapa.
View the Position Description
For more information, please contact recruit@epa.govt.nz or check out the careers section of our website www.epa.govt.nz/careers.
Applications close | Rā Katinga
Monday 5pm, 22 June 2026
We will review applications as they are submitted and may begin our selection process prior to the end of the application stage.