Principal Adviser | Wellington City

Job Description

Job Title: Principal Adviser, International Fisheries

Role type: Permanent, full time

Location: Wellington City

General Salary band B: $138,938 - $162,716 per annum depending on skills and experience

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

We are seeking a Principal Adviser to join MPI's International Fisheries team in the Trade & International Relations directorate which sits within the Policy & Trade business unit.

You will lead the team's engagement on Pacific fisheries, representing New Zealand at meetings of the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC).

In this role, you will be involved in the governance of these two organisations as well as the development of regional rules that underpin the sustainability and prosperity of Pacific fisheries. You will contribute to the management of the region's highly migratory fisheries, which are critical to the economic development of Pacific Island countries and important to New Zealand's commercial, customary, and recreational fishers.

The role involves regular international travel, primarily in the Pacific region, although some international meetings are held virtually. 

 About You - Mōu

The role will require you to navigate the interface between foreign policy, international processes, fisheries policy and management, fisheries compliance, conservation and science.  You will need to work closely with other MPI teams and other agencies, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Conservation. You should be experienced in briefing Ministers.

Fisheries management experience, an understanding of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and related international law, and knowledge of the Pacific context is desirable. 

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• a proven track record of providing policy advice on complex issues
• experience in representing New Zealand in international fora
• strong interpersonal, negotiating and influencing skills
• credibility and mana to engage with international counterparts and external stakeholders
• leadership and mentoring skills to help guide and grow the team

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

The International Fisheries team leads engagement on international fisheries issues. The team works to maximise economic and other benefits to New Zealand from international fisheries, while protecting the environment, meeting international obligations and furthering New Zealand's international relationships. We do this through regional rule making; shaping multilateral frameworks; managing New Zealand's bilateral fisheries engagement; and ensuring policy coherence.

About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua

Our role includes leveraging export opportunities for our food and fibre sector, improving sector productivity, ensuring the food we produce is safe, supporting the sustainable use of natural resources, and protecting New Zealand from biological risk.

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

• Annual Wellness payment
• Additional MPI leave days.
• Reduced premiums for Group Healthcare Schemes
• Career development and internal opportunities across the branch and organisation
• Mentoring and coaching programmes

Security checks - Ngā Taki Whakahaumaru

Higher level Security Clearance

• most preferably a NZ citizen who has resided continuously in NZ for at least the last ten (10) years, OR
• is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last ten (10) years: either Australia, Canada, NZ, UK or the USA; and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the NZSIS towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at a higher level.
• click here to find out more about the national security vetting process and access the eligibility self-checktool.

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 11.59pm on Sunday, 17 August 2025

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

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