Senior Research Adviser at Ministry for Primary Industries, Rotorua

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Senior Research Adviser

Role type: Permanent Full-time

Location: Nationwide (preference Rotorua)

Salary: $92,073 - $124,570 (depending on skills and experience)

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the Role

We're looking for someone who will support development of the research and science system, help the team and users of the science define their research questions and needs, and procure science within the science guidelines of MPI, ensuring science excellence at all stages of the process.

• Contribute to development of the core research and science programme within Te Uru Rākau - New Zealand Forest Service
• Support the establishment of the science system within Te Uru Rākau - New Zealand Forest Service Science in partnership with MPI business owners
• Deliver the science process across all Te Uru Rākau's New Zealand Forest Service's research areas [including the commissioning and approval process for new research]
• Engage key internal and external stakeholders to develop strategic research relationships in speciality topics.  
• Support science extension to ensure research outputs are fit for purpose for relevant stakeholders
• Contribute to cross agency coordination and provide subject matter expertise and quality review in relation to forestry science projects.
• Provide updates on the research and science programme status to relevant Ministers.

Mōu - About You

• The ideal candidate would have a Tertiary and Post graduate qualification in Science, forestry, economics or related disciplines
• You will have a minimum of five years' experience working in Research, Science and Innovation
• You will have experience in establishing and effectively maintaining collaborative relationships with stakeholders, Māori and Government agencies
• You will know and understand the impact of science and be able to assess benefits, risks and costs (including compliance costs) associated with implementation.

• You will experience with leading projects/analysis and providing mentoring and guidance. 

Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua - About MPI

The Ministry for Primary Industries works to safeguard New Zealanders' way of life well in the future. To ensure this, we have a vision where New Zealand is the world's most sustainable provider of high-value food and primary products. Our organisational strategy sets the direction we need to take to achieve this vision and ensure the success of the food and primary industries for the benefit of all New Zealanders. For more information on our current strategy, see Our Strategy.   

Mō te peka - About Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service

Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service supports forestry priorities. We work with tangata whenua, landowners, and the forestry and wood processing sector. We work to make the most of our forests' contribution to Aotearoa New Zealand's social, cultural, environmental, and economic wellbeing. These include climate change and working with Māori on land development opportunities, industry transformation, the ETS, native planting, One Billion Trees, forestry and wood processing, and workforce development. We are a team of experts with massive breadth of experience, offering opportunities to break out of our comfort zone and embrace intellectual and complex challenges.

Ahurea - Culture

As we deliver on our key outcomes of Prosperity (Tōnuitanga), Sustainability (Kauneke Tauwhiro), Protection (Whakangungu), and Visible Leadership (Ngā Manukura), we work hard to deliver for New Zealand. Using our key working styles, we always strive to be open, agile, engaging and proactive. At MPI we respect the individual and want everyone to feel they can bring their whole selves to work every day.

For more information on what Diversity and Inclusion looks and feels like at MPI, refer to - Our Diversity and Inclusion

Wā Mahi Ngāwari - Flexible Working

If you're interested we are open to discussing flexible working options with you.  This can take many forms such as (but not limited to) reduced hours, remote working, flexible start and finish times, compressed hours or term-time work.  Please feel free to talk to us at the interview about the flexibility you need and we will explore what's possible for the role.

Me pēhea te tuku tono - How to Apply

To view the position description and/or apply for the role please click “APPLY FOR THIS JOB” or visit the MPI Careers Site. For tracking and reporting purposes, all applications must be submitted through our online careers portal.

To apply for this role you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it – click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.

‘Please note: we will review applications as we get them and will interview suitable candidates as they are identified.  This means we may progress to offer before advertising closes.

The closing date is 17 August 2022

If you have any questions about the role, please email kitty.mccool@mpi.govt.nz 

The Ministry for Primary Industries is committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values inclusion and diversity. Your unique talents and experience will help us deliver exceptional services to our communities in Aotearoa. In return you'll enjoy an inclusive and flexible working environment in a diverse team of people while you're growing your career here in NZ and internationally. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so that we can assist you through the recruitment process.