Principal Advisor - Export Double

Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)

Wellington

On-site

NZD 142,000 - 166,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Additional MPI leave days

Ability to purchase extra leave

Career development opportunities

Job summary

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is seeking a Principal Adviser for the Export Double role in Wellington. This full-time position focuses on enhancing export performance in the forestry sector, coordinating with various stakeholders.

Successful candidates will have a background in strategic policy and strong analytical skills, capable of providing impactful advice to senior officials. The role involves developing collaborations across sectors to drive effective outcomes and contributing

Qualifications

Experienced Principal Adviser or senior sector adviser.
Strong judgement and ability to navigate complex issues.
Proven track record in government processes.

Responsibilities

Lead strategic thinking for forestry and wood processing.
Coordinate workstreams across government and industry.
Develop and present high-quality advice to stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Strong analytical skills

Excellent communication skills

Political awareness

Stakeholder engagement

Mentoring

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Job description

Principal Adviser, Export Double

Role type: Fixed term/Secondment until June 2027; Full-time

Location: Wellington

Salary range: General Salary Range B, $141,717 to $165,970 depending on skills and experience

Kōrero mō te Tūranga - About the Role

Te Uru Rākau - New Zealand Forest Service is seeking expressions of interest for the Principal Adviser, Export Double role within the Forestry System Directorate.

This is a high-impact strategic role focused on accelerating export performance across the forestry and wood processing sector. Reporting to the Director Forestry System, you will coordinate and drive Te Uru Rākau - New Zealand Forest Service's contribution to the Export Double Programme and help chart a pathway towards doubling export value by 2035.

You will bring together activity across Forestry System, Te Uru Rākau - New Zealand Forest Service and wider MPI, while developing strong partnerships with the forestry and wood processing sector. You will help shape and deliver a coordinated work programme across government and industry that supports sustained export growth and improved sector performance.

Leading strategic thinking and helping develop the strategy and work programme for forestry and wood processing export growth.
Coordinating workstreams across Forestry System, Te Uru Rākau - New Zealand Forest Service and wider MPI.
Developing and presenting high-quality advice to Ministers, MPI leaders, government agencies and external stakeholders.
Building effective partnerships with industry organisations, businesses, government agencies and other sector participants.
Bringing together economic, policy, innovation and sector perspectives to guide projects, working groups and governance activity.
Preparing and reviewing Ministerial and Parliamentary material, Official Information Act responses, reports and correspondence.
Mentoring colleagues and helping strengthen policy capability and the quality of advice across the directorate.

Mōu - About You

We are looking for an experienced Principal Adviser, strategic policy professional, programme leader or senior sector adviser who can bring clarity, direction and momentum to a complex, cross-cutting programme.

You will be a trusted adviser with strong strategic judgement and the ability to work confidently across organisational and sector boundaries. You will be comfortable bringing people together around shared outcomes, navigating sensitive or ambiguous issues, and providing clear, evidence-based advice to Ministers and senior leaders.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

Strong knowledge of government processes and experience operating effectively in a public-sector environment.
Experience leading complex work programmes and bringing stakeholders together to achieve shared outcomes.
Strategic thinking and knowledge of forestry, wood processing, primary industries, export growth or a closely related system.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to quickly identify and clearly communicate the core elements of a complex issue.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing concise and compelling advice.
Political and organisational awareness, with the confidence to provide frank and trusted advice on sensitive issues.
Proven experience building collaborative relationships with industry, government agencies and sector stakeholders.
The ability to influence without formal authority and connect work across teams, organisations and sectors.
An interest in mentoring others and helping strengthen policy and advisory capability.
A relevant tertiary qualification, or equivalent experience.

Programme or project management experience and an understanding of economic principles, innovation or trade and export growth would be advantageous.

Mō tō mātou Rōpū - About the Directorate

The Forestry System Directorate is part of Te Uru Rākau - New Zealand Forest Service. It holds an end-to-end view of the forestry system and supports the development and implementation of initiatives, policies and regulations that underpin sustainable land management, improve the use of forestry resources and contribute to New Zealand's climate goals.

The role reports to the Director Forestry System and works alongside managers, Principal Advisers and colleagues across the directorate, Te Uru Rākau - New Zealand Forest Service and wider MPI. You will work across organisational boundaries to align priorities, connect work programmes and support the delivery of strategic outcomes.

Security checks – Ngā Taki Whakahaumaru

This role require a New Zealand national security clearance. To be considered for this role, you must meet the eligibility criteria set out below.

You must be a NewZealand citizen, or hold a NewZealand residence-class visa (including permanent residence).
You must have a minimum five (5)-year background history that can be verified and assessed by the NewZealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine your suitability for a CONFIDENTIAL national security clearance.

Find out more about the national security vetting process here and access the eligibility self-check tool here.

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

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 fibre products.

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