Chair, Agricultural Growth Partnership

Job Description

Ma tau rourou, ma taku rourou, ka ora te iwi (with your contribution and my contribution the people will prosper) 

• Provide direction for the Agricultural Growth Partnership (AGP) on how it can achieve its objective to foster an effective public and private partnership to develop and deliver sustainable and mutually beneficial cooperation activities that benefit NZ's primary sector and that of our partners
• 3 year tenure

Mō Tātou – About us

The NZ Inc. Agricultural Growth Partnership (AGP) is a network of public agencies and private organisations that considers requests and identifies opportunities for the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)'s agricultural cooperation. This public-private partnership is key, as it allows MPI to understand the needs and interests of industry and align these into cooperation activities that benefit New Zealand's primary sector and that of our partner countries.

The AGP has been established to improve NZ Inc. co-ordination and collaboration and to promote sustainable and mutually beneficial cooperation activities with partner countries. Initially the focus of AGP was to improve cooperation and trading relationships with China. While China is still an important focus, members of the AGP also wish to include other markets with which New Zealand has or is negotiating a Free Trade Agreement noting  emerging global challenges and the importance of ensuring market diversity.

The role of the Chair is primarily to provide direction for the AGP on how it can achieve its objective to foster an effective public and private partnership to develop and deliver commercially sustainable cooperation activities that benefit New Zealand's primary sector and NZ Inc's objectives for international agricultural cooperation to: 

• deliver obligations under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and trade arrangements with a focus on China
• build government and commercial relationships and enhance the trade environment;
• promote recognition of New Zealand systems;
• promote New Zealand's goods and services export sectors; and
• build New Zealand's capacity and capability through collaboration. 

Note: AGP is governed by its own Terms of Reference (TOR). A copy of the TOR will be made available in hard copy only to shortlisted candidates. Candidates will be expected to return their copy at the end of the interview process.

Ko te tangata mo tēnei tūranga? – Who are we looking for?

Use your excellent knowledge of the New Zealand-China relationship to provide direction for the AGP through thought leadership on public-private cooperation opportunities.  Creating and continuing to foster a climate of trust amongst members of AGP.

You will be independent and have no financial interests in delivering services for cooperation projects.

Effective chairing of quarterly meetings of AGP and any extraordinary meetings, if required.

Specifically, ensuring:

• A balance is struck between time-keeping and space for discussion
• Business is dealt with and recommendations made
• Decisions, actions and deliberations are adequately minuted
• Implementation of decisions is clearly assigned and monitored
• Provision of advice and guidance on cooperation proposals and activities
• Provision of advice and guidance on how AGP can effectively review current funded cooperation programmes, including assisting members of the AGP to make recommendations on possible design, scope, duration and delivery requirements
• Being a spokesperson and representative of the AGP at relevant forums, as requested by MPI. 

Reporting to the Secretariat of the AGP, and accountable to the Manager, International Relations, you will be responding to the changing needs of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), performing other tasks as reasonably required in relation to AGP matters only.

Maintain a strict sense of professional ethics, maintain confidentiality and privacy, and abide by MPI's Code of Conduct.

Please bear in mind that this position is not an MPI employee, rather this is a Buyer/Supplier relationship.

Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua - About MPI

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is responsible for ‘Growing and Protecting New Zealand'. It's no mean feat, and we have a team of hard working and passionate people in a variety of roles both on the ground and in the office supporting us to make this happen.

Me pēhea te tuku tono - How to apply

To find out more about the Ministry and what we do, please click here

To view the position description and/or apply for the role (submitting a cover letter and current curriculum vitae), please click on “APPLY NOW” 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. 

Applications close: 18^th December 2019 

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Katrina Minx, Senior Recruitment Adviser on 04 831 4908 or katrina.minx@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.