Senior Advisor

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment NZ – Wellington, North Island

About the Role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills and Experience Required

Benefits

How to Apply

Click here to view a position description.

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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