Senior Policy Analyst, International Environment and Sustainability | Wellington City

Job Description

Job title: Senior Policy Analyst, International Environment and Sustainability

Role type: Permanent, full-time

Location: Wellington City

Salary range: GSR 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 the International Environment and Sustainability (IES) team within the Trade & International Relations directorate of Policy & Trade. This team is responsible for MPI's work programme on international environment and sustainability measures to ensure they maximise sustainable outcomes for New Zealand's primary sector and support our trade in sustainably produced food and fibre products. As a sought-after team to work in, the IES team is looking for a highly motivated expert to represent New Zealand in international conversations at the forefront of some of New Zealand's most complex problems in environmental policy and sustainability.

As a Senior Policy Analyst, you will:

• provide specialist expertise in international climate negotiations aligned to New Zealand's climate policy objectives;
• participate in international agriculture climate negotiations and technical discussions on aspects of the Paris Agreement, regional and bilateral climate priorities and the international landscape of climate mitigation and adaptation for the primary sector;
• develop and maintain strong relationships with climate experts working on the measurement and the development of domestic climate policy settings, cross-government climate negotiators and with overseas contacts;
• monitor, gather, and analyse information from key overseas markets to support bilateral climate initiatives and cooperation activities;
• draft and review technical submissions to the UNFCCC, and briefings for senior officials and Ministers;
• represent MPI at international fora as part of inter-agency delegations.

 This is a Wellington based role, so applicants must be Wellington based or willing to relocate if successful. 

About You - Mōu

This is an excellent opportunity for a technical climate expert, climate negotiator or climate policy advisor who is experienced in international engagement and is motivated by achieving tangible outcomes for New Zealand's primary industries. As a Senior Policy Analyst, you will demonstrate strong negotiating skills, political acumen, and a strategic mindset that enables you to understand the broader context and identify future opportunities.

To be successful in this role, you will:

• have relevant experience as a senior policy analyst ideally with firsthand knowledge of the international climate negotiations or in developing domestic climate policies and settings;
• engage effectively with colleagues and stakeholders and representing MPI with credibility and confidence;
• enjoy working as part of a collaborative team that supports one another and contributes to a strong, positive team culture;
• bring technical knowledge of the international climate rules, climate negotiations, and/or climate policies;
• be culturally competent and able to apply Tikanga Māori in your work;
• have strong understanding of international relations and the factors influencing New Zealand's agricultural negotiating position;
• possess excellent communication skills, including the ability to present complex information in an accessible way;

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

Our people are our greatest resource. They are collaborative, supportive, passionate, and are highly skilled in a range of economic, science and social disciplines.

You'll be part of a collaborative Wellington-based team, reporting to the Manager International Environment and Sustainability. Our team works closely with the Policy & Trade business unit, wider organisation and industry bodies to facilitate the understanding of New Zealand's sustainability to help achieve success in international markets.

There are plenty of opportunities to build meaningful relationships with stakeholders both in New Zealand and overseas.

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.
• Reduced premiums for Group Healthcare Schemes.
• Additional MPI leave days.

Benefits of working at MPI

Security checks - Ngā Taki Whakahaumaru

Low level Security Clearance (Confidential)

• 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 25 May. 

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

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