Senior Advisor

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• Play a pivotal role in shaping New Zealand’s research investment decisions by providing expert governance and policy advice to an independent board managing the bulk of the government’s science research funds.
• Collaborate across science policy and investment teams to deliver clear, timely, and sound advice that enables RFNZ to make transparent, high‑quality decision‑making, and strengthens governance systems.
• Lead improvements in governance processes, anticipate and resolve issues, and ensure RFNZ’s decisions and recommendations are implemented effectively to support the science and innovation system.
• Wellington based permanent role with a salary range of between $118k to $143k + kiwisaver and Wellness benefits

The Senior Advisor plays a key role in supporting Research Funding New Zealand (RFNZ) to deliver its statutory and advisory functions. Acting as a trusted advisor to the RFNZ Chair and Board, you’ll provide expert governance and policy advice on research investment decisions across an $800m funding portfolio.

Working closely with the Advisor and collaborating with the Science System Investment and Performance (SSIP) branch and Science Policy teams, you’ll ensure RFNZ receives clear, timely, and defensible advice to enable transparent, high-quality decision-making. This role also anticipates and resolves governance issues, drives improvements, and ensures RFNZ decisions are effectively implemented.

Skills and Experience Required

MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high‑performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders.

We do this by working with others to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities and by working to ensure quality housing is more affordable.

People are at the heart of our mahi, our way of working is guided by our values which shape our behaviours.

Our aspirations are echoed in our Māori identity – Hīkina Whakatutuki – which broadly means ‘lifting to make successful'.

MBIE recognises the partnership founded under TeTiritio Waitangi between Māori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to TeTiritio Waitangi. We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Māori, other Māori groups / organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Māori and for wider Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to continuing to partner with iwi in order to find new sustainable solutions to address long standing systemic and cross‑cutting issues facing Māori and wider Aotearoa New Zealand and we are also committed to identifying opportunities for iwi to lead and creating an enabling environment for iwi to leverage these opportunities.

When you are ready to apply please send a CV and cover letter telling us why you're the perfect fit for this role.

All applications must be submitted via our online process.

Applications close on 14th of December 2025

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