Senior Adviser Pest Management Strategy and Planning

Overview

Senior Adviser Pest Management Strategy and Planning – Permanent, Full Time | Location : Wellington | Salary band & range : D $ 100,934 to $ 118,005 depending on skills and experience.

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

We are seeking a Senior Adviser who can lead and contribute to projects that will strengthen the Pest Management part of New Zealand's Biosecurity System. This will include the review of existing national policies and regulation, and development of plans to manage emerging pest issues and deliver practical system improvements. You will also provide advice to senior leaders and the Minister for Biosecurity, advise cross-sector governance groups, and respond to public inquiries.

Our work is highly collaborative meaning you will work across MPI, with our partners, including industry organisations, government departments, regional councils, hapū / iwi, and NGO's. You will work in a fast-paced, supportive team environment, contributing to the successful delivery of high-profile and important programmes. We are looking for someone who can provide thought leadership on national issues, build and sustain strong partnerships, and deliver innovative solutions. You are likely to bring operational policy experience and have a relevant policy or technical background.

This position may require occasional overnight domestic travel due to national engagement with stakeholders and partners.

About You - Mōu

To be successful in this role you will need to work with both regulatory and partnership frameworks and develop a deep understanding of New Zealand's pest management landscape. You'll bring a strategic, analytical approach to your work, with the ability to interpret complex information and design practical, tangible solutions.

You will demonstrate :

• Leading project or programme planning and delivery.
• Working collaboratively with both internal and external stakeholders, including senior leaders and peers.
• Working in a New Zealand central or local government agency.
• Understanding of, and experience in, government policy and decision-making processes.
• Outstanding interpersonal and relationship management skills.
• An ability to work effectively in ambiguous environments.
• Thinking strategically and delivering quality advice on time.
• High level analytical and evaluation skills.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Facilitation and negotiation skills.

We are looking for a team player who will be able to forge strong working relationships across MPI and with our pest management sector partners.

About the Team

The Pest Management and System Regulation team sits within the Pest Management Directorate. This Directorate leads programmes to tackle the pest and disease challenges facing New Zealand and works in partnership with a wide range of organisations and stakeholders across New Zealand to reduce the spread and impact of established pests. The issues we lead on include controlling Wilding Conifers, controlling Wallabies, eradicating some of the world's worst aquatic weeds, and stopping the spread of marine pests. Our work has real impact. We protect New Zealand's farms, natural landscapes, and native species so we can maintain our unique lifestyle and tourism can continue to thrive. The team are mostly based in Wellington but work with partners across Aotearoa. The team is made up of two Principal Advisers, five Senior Advisers (including this role) and one Adviser who collectively have significant pest management knowledge and experience. The team values a collaborative environment with support and mentoring for new team members. We work alongside and support five operational programme teams within the Pest Management Directorate.

About MPI - Mō Te Manatū Ahu Matua

Our role includes seizing export opportunities for our food and fibre sector, improving sector productivity, ensuring the food we produce is safe, increasing sustainable resource use, and protecting New Zealand from biological risk.

Benefits

Application and Notice

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 11 : 59pm on Sunday 12 Ocotber 2025 .

If you have any questions about the role, please email

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