Adviser, Trade Strategy & Systems at Ministry for Primary Industries, Wellington City

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Adviser, Trade Strategy and Systems

Role Type: Permanent, full-time

Location: Wellington City

Salary range & band: General Salary Range F: $76,463 to $101,967 depending on skills and experience

(Midpoint for this position is $89,215 per annum)

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga 

We are seeking an Adviser to join MPI's Trade Strategy and Systems team in the Trade & International Relations directorate which sits within the Policy & Trade business unit.

You will have the opportunity to be involved in a wide range of trade and international work and growing the primary sector's exports.  This includes how MPI responds to trade disruptions, our strategic work programme, and how our systems support trade. This role will require you to navigate the interface between domestic policy and international trade, and response.

You will be responsible for supporting engagement across MPI, the wider primary sector, and New Zealand's trading partners on trade disruptions, coordinating the strategic work programme and liaising with primary sector stakeholders on their market access requests and issues.

About You - Mōu  

We are looking for a team player with strong written and oral communication skills who will be able to forge collaborative relationships across the public sector and beyond.

You are comfortable working across complex systems, and thrive in a dynamic, fast‑paced policy and trade environment.

Essential skills and capabilities include:

• A tertiary qualification in trade, international relations, or a relevant field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Sound interpersonal and communications skills.
• Ability to think clearly and make decisions under pressure.
• Ability to plan and prioritise use of time.
• Able to exercise judgement and act on their own initiative.

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū  

The Trade Strategy and Systems team leads the Directorate's planning systems, including trade response; provides advice on alignment of domestic regulatory policy with international trade system requirements; and informs strategic planning through the provision of insights on emerging trade risks and opportunities. The team works to ensure domestic regulatory systems support and grow trade to maximise the economic and other benefits to New Zealand's primary sector and the wider economy.

About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua

We're passionate about growing prosperity in the sector while ensuring respect for Kaitiaki – guardianship of our natural resources.

Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua 

• Annual Wellness payment
• Additional MPI leave days.
• Career development and internal opportunities across the branch and organisation

Are you ready to make a difference?  - Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake?

We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori.

We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatū Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.

In your cover letter we would like to know about you, your values, your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.

To view the position description and/or apply online, please click “APPLY” or visit the MPI Careers Site. To apply, 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.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Wednesday 11^th February 2026

If you have any questions about the role, please email: george.mitrakas@mpi.govt.nz

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