Kōrero mō te Tūranga - About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Policy Analyst to join the Animal Welfare Policy team in the Regulatory Systems Policy directorate within MPI's Policy & Trade branch.

Policy & Trade provides sector-level strategic thinking and evidence-based advice for effective government decision-making for systems related to agriculture, forestry, fisheries, biosecurity, food, animal welfare and rural communities.

The Animal Welfare Policy team is responsible for advising the Government on the Animal Welfare Act, the Veterinarians Act, and animal welfare matters more broadly. Alongside two ministerial advisory committees, we develop codes of welfare that set the requirements for how animals are treated in diverse environments, from people's homes, on farms, and in entertainment and research facilities. We engage regularly with animal advocacy organisations and the wider public to understand their expectations on how animals in New Zealand should be treated.

The role will provide you with an opportunity to develop policy advice, design and deliver interventions on legislation and regulations, and contribute to high-profile work. You will get to mix both strategic and regulatory thinking to identify solutions that balance economic, legal and ethical considerations. The subjects you'll grapple with are complex and challenging, and there are numerous opportunities for you to grow your skills and develop your career.

Mōu - About You

The ideal candidate will have previous experience in leading or supporting the legislative process and/or the development of regulations. You will have strong interpersonal and communication skills to forge effective partnerships and find solutions that balance divergent stakeholder interests. You will have experience in and be comfortable presenting information so that industry and advocacy stakeholders, technical experts, senior leaders, Ministers and Members of Parliament understand key issues and options that enable progress towards solutions.

You will likely have 3-5 years' experience in a similar role with a sound understanding of regulatory policy including legislation and/or regulatory development government and parliamentary processes and advising Ministers and Select Committees.

To be successful in this role, you will be able to demonstrate:

• A strong understanding and experience developing legislation and/or regulations, including taking amendments to completion.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills to solve complex policy problems and forge agreement between competing interests and viewpoints.
• Experience in a policy/regulatory role and navigating Parliamentary and Cabinet processes.
• Comfort with ambiguity, including the ability to make decisions under pressure, find agreement, and adapt to changing environments.
• Experience within the primary sectors and production livestock is desirable, but by no means essential.
• You do not need to meet all the role requirements to apply. We offer a breadth of development and learning opportunities and will welcome an application if you think you could make a great fit.

Mō tō mātou Rōpū - About the Team

You will be based in our Wellington office, reporting to the Manager Animal Welfare Policy, and working alongside a small high performing team. We work closely with other teams that provide input on technical, legal and compliance matters and are dedicated to working collaboratively with one another.

The team works closely with the wider Policy & Trade branch, other MPI business units, government agencies and industry so there is ample opportunity to develop and build meaningful internal and external relationships.

Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua - About MPI

We're passionate about growing prosperity in the sector while ensuring respect for Kaitiaki – guardianship of our natural resources.

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

• Annual Wellness payment
• Reduced premiums for Group Healthcare Schemes
• Additional MPI leave days.
• Benefits of working at MPI

Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake? - 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 your interest and motivations for this role and the personal attributes and prior experiences you will bring to the team and MPI .

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 midnight on Tuesday 4 February.

Applications will be reviewed while the advertisement is live, and suitable applicants may be contacted prior to the closing date.

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

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