Kōrero mō te Tūranga - About the Role
We are seeking multiple passionate and talented Policy Analysts, to join our Food Policy Trans-Tasman and Food Policy teams which sit within the Regulatory Systems Policy directorate of Policy & Trade.
Policy and 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.
A career at MPI offers great supportive work environment, a range of training and development opportunities, and a varied and topical work programme. If you want a career where you help to grow New Zealand in a very real way, then this is it.
Policy Analyst, Food Policy Trans-Tasman: (Confidential Security Clearance will be required)
This role will focus on collaborative work that falls within the joint Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation System. As Policy Analyst (Food Policy Trans-Tasman), you will be responsible for the New Zealand secretariat function for the Trans-Tasman Food System. This includes maintaining New Zealand's point of contact.
You will use your project management skills engaging with teams across MPI to coordinate and collate information and ensure the Minister is well briefed. You will enjoy following and improving processes, and your eye for detail will support Gazetting food standards amendments. You will develop relationships and co-ordinate with other agencies as you develop your policy skills, including writing briefings and policy documents on a range of food system topics.
Policy Analyst, Food Policy:
As a Policy Analyst (Food Policy), you will play an important role in supporting our commitments under the Food Safety Legislation which includes coordinating briefings, responding to correspondence and facilitating communication. You will also have the opportunity and flexibility to work on a variety of other interesting topics across the wider food system.
The Food Policy team are responsible for developing and amending food safety legislation to help maintain and improve New Zealand's food safety system. To achieve this, you will learn how to collaborate on modernising New Zealand's food safety legislation with technical staff and sector stakeholders and critically analyse and respond to issues as they arise.
Mōu - About You
This is a great opportunity for an entry level Policy Analyst, including recent graduates with a major in Public Policy and an interest in developing a career pathway within Policy & Trade.
The ideal candidates will be able to demonstrate strong communication skills, a solution focussed approach, and a proven ability to establish and develop effective relationships. You will be comfortable presenting information in a way that can be easily understood by various internal and external audiences.
We are looking for a Policy Analyst who:
- Can demonstrate an organised and methodical approach with a keen eye for accuracy;
- Has the ability to write concisely and clearly for a range of audiences;
- Applies critical thinking and analytical skills to challenge the status quo;
- Can develop and provide clear, concise, well-reasoned and practical advice;
- Will bring a ‘can do' attitude and take ownership of their work to deliver the best results;
- Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills and the desire to make a positive contribution to the team;
- Expresses an interest in developing a career within policy work;
- Previous experience in policy or regulatory work is desirable but not essential;
- Can demonstrate relevant qualifications and/or work experience.
- You do not need to meet all of 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
The Trans-Tasman Food Policy team works on a broad range of issues central to the management of domestic food production and international trade in food. This team is responsible for supporting the trans-Tasman Food Treaty, legislative and regulatory review and the development of regulatory policy relating to food.
The Food Policy team amends the food safety regulations and works closely with the regulator, New Zealand Food Safety. They are responsible for creating regulations to make the existing regulatory framework for food, animal products and wine production clearer and more accessible. Upcoming work is likely to focus on modernising the Agricultural Chemicals and Veterinary Medicines legislation and other parts of the food safety regulatory framework as well as finalising the to establish the new organics regulatory regime.
You will work alongside a mix of Policy Analysts including Principal and Senior Policy Analysts. Both teams bring a mix of strong sector knowledge, regulatory expertise, and promote strategic thinking. There are close linkages between the work of the two teams which means we have a collaborative working style so that everyone feels supported in contributing to their collective goals.
MPI is committed to growing and protecting New Zealand's primary sector. New Zealand's reputation for producing exceptional, high-quality food is fundamental to our exporting success. It also impacts on every New Zealander, who wants to know that the food they and their families are purchasing and consuming is safe and suitable.
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
Security checks - Ngā Taki Whakahaumaru
Low level Security Clearance (For the Food Policy Trans-Tasman team only)
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.
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 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.
In your Cover Letter, please indicate which role/s you are applying for and whether you are interested in one or both teams.
Applications close at midnight on Thursday 20 March.
If you have any questions about the role, please email Louise.Devine@mpi.govt.nz
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