Principal Adviser Office of the Chief Science Adviser | Wellington City

Job Description

Principal Adviser in Office of Chief Departmental Science Adviser  

Role type: Permanent 

Location: Wellington 

Salary band & range: General Salary Range C: $119,376 to $139,700 depending on skills and experience  

Help shape how science informs decisions that matter for Aotearoa New Zealand  

Bring your scientific expertise and strategic influence to a role where your work directly supports evidence-based decision-making at the highest levels of government.  

As Principal Adviser in the Office of the Chief Departmental Science Adviser (CDSA), you'll sit at the centre of complex, high-impact issues—helping ensure science and evidence are used to inform policy, investment, and operational decisions across the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). This is a rare opportunity to work alongside senior leaders, contribute to system-level thinking, and help drive better outcomes for New Zealand's primary sector and beyond.  

The Chief Departmental Science Adviser (CDSA) currently also serves as the Prime Minister's Chief Science Adviser (PMCSA). This dual responsibility broadens the scope of the office, providing unique opportunities to contribute to science advice in a wide range of disciplines at both departmental and national levels. 

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga  

In this pivotal role, you will provide senior-level scientific and strategic advice to support the Chief Departmental Science Adviser and the wider organisation. 

You'll lead and contribute to key initiatives, reviews, and programmes of work that strengthen science practice, policy, and communication across MPI. This includes analysing and synthesising complex scientific information, identifying risks and policy gaps, and translating insights into clear, practical advice for senior decision-makers.  

You will play a critical role in ensuring the CDSA is well supported—delivering high-quality briefings, reviewing and quality-assuring key documents, and helping drive priorities forward.  

Relationship management is central to this role. You'll work closely with senior leaders, internal teams, and external stakeholders—including science organisations and government partners—to embed the effective use of evidence in policy and business outcomes.  

With opportunities to lead projects, contribute to governance processes, and represent the Office in key forums, this role offers variety, challenge, and real influence. 

About You - Mōu  

You are a highly capable and intellectually curious science or policy professional who is motivated to apply cutting-edge evidence to real-world decision-making. 

You will bring: 

• A PhD in a relevant scientific discipline— with preference for a field of science relevant to the primary industries 
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesise complex scientific concepts into clear, practical insights 
• Experience delivering contextualised, high-quality scientific, technical, or policy advice, ideally in complex or fast-moving environments 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage senior leaders and a wide range of audiences 
• Political acumen, strong relationship-building skills and the ability to influence and collaborate across diverse stakeholders 

You'll also demonstrate: 

• An innovative and forward-thinking mindset, with confidence applying new tools and approaches—including AI—to enhance analysis and ways of working 
• Highly developed digital and computer skills, with a strong degree of independence and adaptability 
• The ability to be dynamic and responsive, thriving in a fast-paced and evolving environment 
• Comfort working in ambiguous or complex situations, using sound judgement to navigate uncertainty 
• Resilience and composure, with the ability to manage pressure and deliver in demanding or high-stakes contexts  

This role could suit someone who is earlier in their career but has demonstrated rapid progression, strong academic achievement, and the ability to operate at a high level, alongside more experienced candidates. We're particularly interested in people who bring fresh thinking, curiosity, and a willingness to challenge and improve how science is applied in policy and decision-making. 

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū  

The Office of the Chief Departmental Science Adviser is a small, high-performing team at the centre of MPI, working to ensure science and evidence underpin key decisions across government. The team partners closely with senior leaders and stakeholders to provide strategic advice, lead reviews, and strengthen how science is applied in policy and practice.  

It's a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment where you'll contribute to complex, high-impact work and help shape the role of science across the primary sector 

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  

• Additional MPI leave days 
• Ability to purchase extra annual leave 
• Annual Wellness payment 

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 Wednesday 10 June

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