About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

We are seeking a Specialist Adviser to join the Bilateral Relations & Trade (North Asia & Americas) team within the Trade & International Relations directorate of Policy & Trade. This team is responsible for developing and maintaining bilateral trade access conditions and relationships for New Zealand's primary products across North Asia and the Americas.

As a Specialist Adviser, you will:

• Provide specialist expertise in the development, maintenance and review of bilateral trade access and official assurance requirements, particularly for animal products.
• Monitor, gather, and analyse information from key overseas markets to support bilateral trade access initiatives.
• Participate in bilateral trade access negotiations and technical discussions.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with overseas competent authorities and international partners.
• Draft and review trade access conditions, legal notices, technical submissions, and briefings for senior officials and Ministers.
• Contribute to projects aimed at growing New Zealand's primary product exports and lead bilateral trade access initiatives where required.
• Provide technical clarifications, advice, and interpretation on trade access issues, including managing stakeholder enquiries and contributing to consultation processes.
• Represent MPI at national and international fora and inter-agency meetings as required.

About You - Mōu

This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive individual who excels in driving projects forward, navigating ambiguity, and achieving tangible outcomes for New Zealand's primary industries. As a Specialist Adviser, you will demonstrate strong organisational skills, political acumen, and a strategic mindset that enables them to understand the broader context and identify future opportunities.

We are looking for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced, internationally focused environment and is willing to take the initiative and lead discussions, irrespective of whether they hold an official leadership position.

To be successful in this role, you will:

• Have relevant experience as a senior policy analyst or specialist adviser, ideally with knowledge of international trade or primary industries;
• Be a strategic thinker with the confidence and judgement to navigate complexity and deliver outcomes;
• Bring organisational and political nous, knowing how to get decisions made and turned into action;
• Be a visible presence in your work — or be ready to grow into that — engaging effectively with stakeholders and representing MPI with credibility and confidence;
• Enjoy working as part of a collaborative team that supports one another and contributes to a strong, positive team culture;
• Thrive on ambiguity and have the ability to progress complex decisions through to clear action;
• Bring technical knowledge of animal product and food exports, biosecurity regulation, or food safety;
• Be culturally competent and able to apply Tikanga Māori in your work;
• Have strong understanding of international relations, trade policy, and the factors influencing agricultural trade;
• Possess excellent communication skills, including the ability to present complex information in an accessible way;
• Be experienced in project management and prioritising multiple workstreams;
• Have experience in navigating and collaborating across diverse legal, cultural, and regulatory environments.

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

Our people are our greatest resource. They are collaborative, supportive, passionate, and are highly skilled in a range of economic, science and social disciplines.

You'll be part of a collaborative Wellington-based team, reporting to the Manager Bilateral Relations & Trade (North Asia & Americas), working alongside a team of technical and relationship experts. Our team partners with sectors across the primary industries to understand their export needs and aspirations and to help them achieve success in international markets.

We work closely with the wider Policy & Trade branch, government agencies and industry — offering plenty of opportunities to build meaningful relationships with stakeholders both in New Zealand and overseas.

About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) partners with New Zealand's food and fibre sector to be the world's most trusted provider of high-value food and primary products.

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

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

Security checks - Ngā Taki Whakahaumaru

Low level Security Clearance

most preferably a New Zealand citizen, who has resided continuously in New Zealand 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, New Zealand, 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 New Zealand 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.

Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake?

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 midnight on Sunday 13 April 2025.

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

Follow MPI here - Whāia ngā tūhononga ki MPI i konei
Links to Facebook, MPI Careers, LinkedIn, X