Principal Adviser
Role Type: Fixed term
Location: Wellington
Salary Band: $128,247 to $173,511 depending on skills and experience

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the Role
The Principal Adviser to the Deputy Director-General (DDG) Compliance and Governance acts as a key connection point between MPI staff and the DDG, and provides advice and support to the DDG to ensure the successful delivery of the DDG's programme of work, and efficient running of the Office of the DDG.
The Principal Adviser is a member of the branch leadership team and provides advice on issues that affect the running of the branch. The Principal Adviser is accountable for delivering on key strategic projects in collaboration with the DDG.

* Provide independent advice to the DDG and Compliance & Governance branch across a wide range of business issues. Raise opportunities, issues, and risks that could have an impact on, or enhance, the branch's performance.
* Deliver initial thinking and contribute to the recommended direction/alignment on major work programmes, projects, and issues across MPI.
* Provide advice to the DDG on agendas and content for branch Leadership Team meetings and coordinate as appropriate.
* Solve problems with confidence and sensitivity, manage high-level communication, and take initiative to advance key priorities for the DDG.
* Provide secretariat services to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) weekly meetings.

Mōu - About You
To be successful in this position, you will require below set of skills:

* A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience.
* Skilled in establishing and managing relationships and consultation with both internal and external stakeholders. Strong negotiation skills.
* Ability to check and analyse a large number of documents quickly.
* Ability to deal with complex issues and concepts comfortably.
* Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with senior managers and staff across the organisation
* Experience in business planning processes
* Experience in management role with responsibility for planning and people is desirable but not essential

Ngā hua o te Mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua: - Benefits of working at MPI

* Up to three additional (MPI holidays) leave days
* Career development and internal opportunities across the branch and organisation
* Wellness benefit for employees
* Paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses/frames
* Employee Assistance Programme (counselling support)
* See the benefits of working at MPI

Wā Mahi Ngāwari - Flexible Working
If you're interested we are open to discussing flexible working options with you. This can take many forms such as (but not limited to) reduced hours, remote working, flexible start and finish times, compressed hours or term-time work. Please feel free to talk to us at the interview about the flexibility you need and we will explore what's possible for the role.

Ngā Taki Whakahaumaru - Security checks
Confidential Security Clearance

* most preferably a NZ citizen, who has resided continuously in NZ for at least the last five (5) years, OR
* is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last five (5) years: either Australia, Canada, NZ, the United Kingdom (UK) or the United States of America (USA); and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at this level.
* click here to find out more about the national security vetting process and access the eligibility self-check tool.

If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.

Me pēhea te tuku tono - How to Apply
To view the position description and/or apply for the role please click “APPLY FOR THIS JOB” or visit the MPI Careers Site. For tracking and reporting purposes, all applications must be submitted through our online careers portal.
To apply for this role 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.
The closing date is midnight Monday 31st January 2022
If you have any questions about the role, please email alexys.dalgity@mpi.govt.nz quoting reference MPI21/1583986

The Ministry for Primary Industries is committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values inclusion and diversity. Your unique talents and experience will help us deliver exceptional services to our communities in Aotearoa. In return you'll enjoy an inclusive and flexible working environment in a diverse team of people while you're growing your career here in NZ and internationally. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so that we can assist you through the recruitment process.