Head of Policy, Certification, and Professional Practice

Job Description

  • Help shape the future of New Zealand’s financial advice profession
  • Lead policy, advocacy and professional standards initiatives
  • Wellington preferred, other locations considered

 

About Financial Advice New Zealand

Financial Advice New Zealand is the professional body for Financial Advisers and Financial Advice Providers. Their purpose is to support, promote and advance the financial advice profession, helping advisers build the knowledge, skills and professionalism to make a positive difference in the lives of New Zealanders.

Financial Advice New Zealand is also the standards and certification body for the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM and CFP® designation in New Zealand. As the authorised member organisation of the global Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) network, it manages and delivers the CFP certification programme.

Today, Financial Advice New Zealand is a vibrant, innovative association, where the underlying driver of policy is that great advice transforms lives. They promote the highest professional and ethical standards for financial advice, so more New Zealanders have the confidence to actively seek trusted, quality financial advice to improve their financial wealth, health, and wellbeing. 

As the authentic voice of financial advice, they advocate on behalf of the profession, influence public policy, and work alongside government, regulators and industry to strengthen public confidence in the financial advice profession

As part of their next phase of growth, Financial Advice New Zealand is seeking an experienced policy and advocacy professional to help shape the future of both the Association and the profession they represent.

 

About the role

 

Reporting to the Chief Executive, this newly established leadership role combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.

You’ll lead Financial Advice New Zealand's policy, advocacy, and professional practice agenda, representing the interests of members with government, regulators and key industry stakeholders. You'll also play a key role in strengthening the professionalism of the sector by leading the organisation's professional designations, certification framework and standards initiatives.

Working closely as part of a small, high-performing team and closely with the Chief Executive, you'll build trusted relationships across the sector, influence public policy and help deliver strategic initiatives that support Financial Advice New Zealand's long-term vision and growth.

While the role is ideally based in Wellington, Financial Advice New Zealand is open to considering candidates located elsewhere in New Zealand.

 

What we’re looking for

  • Experience in policy, advocacy, government relations or public affairs
  • A deep understanding of the commercial, regulatory and stakeholder environment within financial services or another comparable profession
  • Experience working with professional standards, certification frameworks or professional bodies would be highly regarded
  • Proven success in influencing policy and building relationships with senior stakeholders
  • Excellent analytical, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
  • The ability to balance strategic thinking with practical delivery
  • A collaborative, proactive and hands-on approach.

 

Why join Financial Advice New Zealand?

This is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of New Zealand's financial advice profession while working alongside a collaborative team, an engaged Board and passionate members.

The role offers significant variety, meaningful external engagement and the opportunity to influence policy, strengthen professional standards and contribute to a professional body committed to making New Zealand families better off.

To find out more about Financial Advice New Zealand visit their website at www.financialadvice.nz

Organisation

Financial Advice New Zealand

Job Summary

New leadership role working alongside the Chief Executive to shape policy, advocacy and professional practice.

How to apply

How to apply

 

Apply with your CV and a cover letter addressed to Kirsty McLaren, by Wednesday 5 August 2026.

A position description is available on our website at mclaren.co.nz or call us on 04 499 1069.

Once applications have closed, we will commence the shortlisting process, which can take up to two weeks. We will be in touch with you regarding your application during this time.

View the position description by copying this link into your browser: https://mclaren.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/FANZ-PD-Head-of-Policy-Certification-and-Professional-Practice-17.7.26.pdf

 

Sector

Not for Profit

Job Description (PDF)