Manager Climate Change Policy - Forestry | Wellington City

Job Description

Job title: Manager Climate Change Policy – Forestry

Role type: Permanent, full-time

Location: Wellington City

Salary band & range: GSR A $158,916 to $212,730 depending on skills and experience.

(Salary midpoint is $186,209 per annum)

Kōrero mō te Tūranga - About the Role

We are seeking an experienced people leader to join our Resources & Rural Communities directorate which sits within our Policy & Trade business unit.  The work of Policy & Trade focuses on sustainable economic growth, resource management, rural communities and the contribution of the food and fibre sector to the economic performance and well-being of New Zealand.

The Manager Climate Change Policy - Forestry leads a policy team and work programme to develop forestry climate change policy, including to develop long term policy options to reduce net GHG emissions and as relates to adaptation, and to advise MPI and Ministers on the impacts of climate change policy on forestry. This role requires building and maintaining strong relationships with Ministers, operational teams, senior management in MPI and industry, iwi, and other government departments.

As part of this role, you will be responsible for:

• Providing advice on forestry and climate change mitigation, including the Emissions Trading Scheme, forestry removals (and non-forestry removals) and settings under Emissions Reduction Plans.
• Partnering across MPI, government, local government, industry, sector organisations, Māori, the public, and others to achieve good outcomes.
• Working with others to lead legislative change and providing advice on amending/reviewing legislation and regulations including the Climate Change Response Act.
• Taking a strategic, integrated and aligned approach to climate change policy across government.
• Give effect to the Crown's Treaty obligations and engage appropriately with Māori.
• Leading and managing a team, including fostering a culture of engagement, development, and high performance.

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

Mōu - About You

You will be adept at leading others, demonstrating a proven track record of building high-performing teams, while maintaining a focus on the well-being of your team and developing staff capabilities. You will possess extensive experience in analysing complex issues, making impactful decisions, and developing and implementing government policies.

In addition, you will be confident in building relationships and negotiating with a broad range of stakeholders to drive action, while holding a clear vision for current and future priorities.

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

• Significant policy experience at a management or senior level with previous experience in people leadership and navigating complexity;
• Understanding of the forestry sector and policy, and New Zealand's climate change policy architecture;
• Understanding of business planning processes, including system and strategic leadership;
• Experience in analysing regulatory, economic, and other policy issues and advising on issues with financial implications;
• Proven ability to communicate specialist knowledge and information in a manner that is easily understood by a range of audiences;
• Ability to work collaboratively in building and maintaining effective relationships across a range of groups and individuals with potentially conflicting interests;
• Capability to oversee varied work programmes, successfully deliver high profile and/or complex projects, and to motivate team members through mentoring and coaching;
• A growth mindset with an understanding of how forestry climate policy can contribute to and interact with overall sector development.

Mō tō mātou Rōpū - About the Team  

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.

Our Policy and Trade business unit also manages input into international rule setting bodies, including the negotiation of trade agreements and environmental commitments relating to our sectors, and work on a variety of primary production, food safety, and biosecurity issues with our trading partners to assure that our products are safe and suitable.

Reporting to the Director Resources & Rural Communities, you will lead you will lead a high performing team of policy professionals committed to improving the performance of New Zealand's forestry sector for the benefit of all New Zealanders. The team also works closely with the Policy & Trade business unit, wider organisation, and industry bodies, so there is a chance to build meaningful relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.

Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua - About MPI

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

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

• Additional MPI leave days
• Reduced premiums for Group Healthcare Schemes
• Career development and internal opportunities across the branch and organisation

Ngā Taki Whakahaumaru - Security checks 

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.

Credit check - Tirotiro nama

Please note, given this position is identified as carrying financial risk, the preferred candidate(s) will be required to satisfactorily pass a credit check.

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

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 Monday 2 June. 

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

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