Specialist Adviser Veterinary Medicines | Wellington City

Job Description

Specialist Adviser Veterinary Medicine - Assessments

Role type: Permanent, full-time

Location: Wellington City

Salary band & range: General Salary Range C: $121,764 to $163,227 depending on skills and experience

About the Role – Kōrero mō te Tūranga

Are you a highly experienced veterinarian or scientist looking to apply your expertise in a meaningful regulatory role? Help support New Zealand's animal health and food production systems through robust, science-based regulation that protects animal welfare, public health, trade, and consumer confidence. We're seeking an experienced scientific or veterinary specialist to join the Assessments Veterinary Medicine team within the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) directorate of New Zealand Food Safety.

The ACVM directorate plays a pivotal role in the assessment of veterinary medicines that support sustainable food and fibre production. Whether you're currently based in New Zealand or overseas, this is an opportunity to contribute to a respected science-based regulatory system, work alongside recognised experts, and enjoy the exceptional lifestyle, natural environment, and work-life balance New Zealand is renowned for.

New Zealand is internationally recognised for its high-quality food and primary production systems, underpinned by robust science and trusted regulation.

Working alongside a highly skilled team of scientists and regulatory specialists, you'll assess innovative agricultural technologies and contribute to science-based decisions that support farmers, growers, consumers, and the environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the assessment of complex, novel, or high-risk veterinary medicine applications
• Evaluating scientific data and preparing high-quality regulatory reports
• Providing authoritative technical advice on challenging or precedent-setting issues
• Peer reviewing assessments to ensure consistency and quality
• Supporting the development of regulatory standards, guidance, and systems
• Identifying emerging risks, trends, and technologies in veterinary medicines
• Mentoring and coaching others to build technical capability
• Engaging with industry, stakeholders, and international regulatory bodies
• Contributing to responses to emerging risks or incidents involving veterinary medicines

Why Join Us? | He Aha i Hono Mai Ai ki a Mātou?

• We welcome applications from both New Zealand-based and international candidates. The successful applicant must hold, or be eligible to obtain, the right to work in New Zealand.
• This role offers significant opportunities to influence regulatory decision-making, contribute to policy and system improvements, and help shape how New Zealand responds to emerging scientific developments and future agricultural challenges.
• You'll engage with industry, research organisations, and international regulatory authorities, contributing to a globally connected regulatory environment.
• Join a respected team recognised for scientific excellence and collaboration.
• Enjoy Wellington's vibrant lifestyle and New Zealand's renowned work-life balance.
• For international candidates, this is an opportunity to build your career in a globally recognised regulatory environment while experiencing New Zealand's renowned quality of life, with easy access to stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and an enviable work-life balance that attracts talent from around the world.

About You – Mōu

You are a highly experienced scientific or veterinary professional with a passion for risk-based regulatory decision-making and public good outcomes. You bring deep technical expertise, strong analytical skills, and the ability to confidently navigate complex regulatory and scientific issues.

You are comfortable working in ambiguity, influencing others with your expertise, and building trusted relationships across diverse stakeholders. You also enjoy sharing knowledge and lifting capability across your team.

You will bring:

• A degree in veterinary science or a related animal science discipline
• Significant experience in veterinary medicines assessment or related regulatory/scientific work
• Strong knowledge of risk assessment principles and scientific evaluation
• Experience assessing complex or high-risk products
• Strong written and verbal communication, including preparing technical reports
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills across government, industry, and technical experts

Ideally, you may also have:

• Experience in clinical veterinary practice or related industry
• Knowledge of the ACVM Act and associated regulatory systems
• Familiarity with food safety, pharmacology, or international regulatory frameworks
• We welcome applications from both New Zealand-based and international candidates. The successful applicant must hold, or be eligible to obtain, the right to work in New Zealand.

About the Team – Mō tō mātou Rōpū

You'll be part of the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) directorate within New Zealand Food Safety, working alongside a multidisciplinary team of scientists, veterinarians, and regulatory specialists. The Veterinary Medicines team is a highly respected group of scientists and regulatory specialists with expertise spanning chemistry, residues, efficacy, animal safety, and risk assessment. We work collaboratively, challenge each other's thinking through robust peer review, and support one another to deliver high-quality scientific advice.

You will have the opportunity to learn from experienced specialists, contribute your own expertise, and help build capability across the team. We value curiosity, continuous improvement, and professional development, creating an environment where people can grow and thrive throughout their careers.

Based in Wellington, you'll be part of a highly connected scientific and policy community. Whether you're already in New Zealand or considering an international move, this role offers the opportunity to combine meaningful scientific work with a rewarding lifestyle and exceptional career opportunities.

About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua

We are passionate about growing prosperity in New Zealand's primary sectors 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
• Bi-annual paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses/frames 

https://www.mpi.govt.nz/about-mpi/careers/working-mpi/benefits/

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” 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 12th August 2026

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

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