Senior Policy Analyst, Food Policy Trans-Tasman | Wellington City

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Policy Analyst, Food Policy Trans-Tasman

Role type: Permanent, full-time

Location: Wellington City

General Salary Range D: $98,955 to $132,427 depending on skills and experience.

(Salary midpoint is $115,691 per annum)

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

We are seeking a Senior Policy Analyst to join our Food Policy teams which sit within the Regulatory Systems Policy directorate of Policy & Trade. The role will work on a range of projects that contribute to strengthening the regulatory system so New Zealanders and overseas consumers can be sure the food they purchase is safe and suitable.

Policy and Trade provides sector-level strategic thinking and evidence-based advice for effective government decision-making for systems related to agriculture, forestry, fisheries, biosecurity, food, animal welfare and rural communities.

As a Senior Policy Analyst, you will play an important role in supporting our commitments under the Food Treaty which will include drafting cabinet papers, briefings, and aide memories on a range of food system matters. You will also have the opportunity and flexibility to work on a variety of other interesting topics including work relating to the New Zealand and Australian food regulation system.  

If you want a career where you help to grow New Zealand in a very real way, then this is it.

About You - Mōu

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills, a solution focussed approach, and a proven ability to forge effective partnerships. You will be comfortable presenting complex information in a way that can be easily understood by various internal and external audiences.

You will likely be working as a Senior Policy Analyst or similar role with a sound understanding of legislation development, government processes, including Parliamentary processes. You will have experience supporting Ministers by providing timely and relevant responses to Ministerial and Parliamentary questions and preparing Ministerial correspondence.

To be successful in this role, you will be able to demonstrate:

• Critical thinking and analytical skills to solve complex policy problems.
• Experience in a policy/regulatory role and navigating Parliamentary processes.
• Experience leading consultation and engagement with external stakeholders.
• Ability to develop and provide clear, concise, well-reasoned and practical advice.
• An organised and methodical approach with a keen eye for accuracy.
• A sound understanding of the primary sector and/or the food safety regulatory framework.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across MPI, across government and with external stakeholder groups.
• Leadership and mentoring skills to help guide and grow the team.

You do not need to meet all of the role requirements to apply. We offer a breadth of development and learning opportunities and will welcome an application if you think you could make a great fit. 

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

You will be based in our Wellington office, reporting to the Manager Food Policy Trans-Tasman, and working alongside a team that brings good depth of knowledge and is dedicated to working collaboratively with one another in a supportive atmosphere.

The Trans-Tasman Food Policy team at MPI works on a broad range of issues central to the management of domestic food production and international trade in food. This team are responsible for supporting the trans-Tasman Food Treaty, legislative and regulatory review and the development of regulatory policy relating to food.

MPI is committed to growing and protecting New Zealand's primary sector. New Zealand's reputation for producing exceptional, high-quality food is fundamental to our exporting success. It also impacts on every New Zealander, who wants to know that the food they and their families are purchasing and consuming is safe and suitable.

About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) partners with New Zealand's food and fibre sector to be the world's most trusted provider of high-value food and primary products.

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

• Annual Wellness payment
• Reduced premiums for Group Healthcare Schemes
• MPI Mentoring program

Security checks - Ngā Taki Whakahaumaru

Low level Security Clearance

• most preferably a New Zealand citizen, who has resided continuously in New Zealand for at least the last five (5) years, OR
• is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last five (5) years: either Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom (UK) or the United States of America (USA); and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at this level.
• click here to find out more about the national security vetting process and access the eligibility self-check tool.

If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.

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'd 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 FOR THIS JOB” 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 midnight on Sunday 13 April.

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

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