Senior Adviser Export Systems

Ministry for Primary Industries; Wellington; On-site; NZD 103,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Wellness payment

Eye test & lenses allowance

Career development & internal movement

Job summary

Ministry for Primary Industries seeks a Senior Adviser for Export Systems in Wellington to advance NZ live animal welfare export standards. You’ll combine science, policy and stakeholder collaboration to shape guidance and improve regulatory processes across the sector.

You will engage with exporters and technical experts, translating complex animal health issues into practical advice while contributing to system-wide improvements and compliance in a dynamic regulatory environment.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in veterinary science or related discipline.
• Experience in animal health, welfare or related field.
• Understanding of New Zealand's regulatory environment and legislation.
• Strong analytical, research and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to translate technical information into practical guidance.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
• Collaborative approach and desire to improve outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Provide evidence-based advice on animal welfare export requirements.
• Research and analyse complex animal health and welfare issues.
• Develop and improve guidance, standards and operational processes.
• Work closely with industry, exporters and stakeholders across the sector.
• Contribute to continuous improvement across New Zealand's animal welfare export system.

Skills

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Regulatory knowledge

Research ability

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in veterinary science

Job description

Senior Adviser - Export Systems, Animal Health & Exports

Role type: Permanent; Full-time

Location: Wellington City

Salary band & range: General Salary Range D $102,953 to $120,365 depending on skills and experience

About the Role – Kōrero mō te Tūranga

This is a rare opportunity to apply your veterinary, scientific, or welfare expertise to a role that delivers meaningful impact beyond individual animals.

As a Senior Adviser within the Animal Health and Exports team, you'll contribute to the ongoing development and continuous improvement of New Zealand's live animal export framework. Your work will help shape guidance, standards and requirements that support practical animal welfare outcomes while ensuring New Zealand's regulatory systems remain effective and fit for purpose.

No two days are the same.

One day you may be developing guidance, researching complex technical questions or analysing emerging animal welfare issues.

The next, you could be engaging directly with exporters, industry representatives and technical experts to solve challenging problems and improve system performance.

You'll thrive in a role that balances science, regulation and real-world application, where curiosity, sound judgement and collaboration are highly valued.

In this role you will:

• Provide evidence-based advice on animal welfare export requirements
• Research and analyse complex animal health and welfare issues
• Develop and improve guidance, standards and operational processes
• Work closely with industry, exporters and stakeholders across the sector
• Contribute to continuous improvement across New Zealand's animal welfare export system

About You – Mōu

You are naturally curious and enjoy working through complex issues to find practical solutions. You're comfortable working in an environment where priorities can evolve, and you're motivated by the opportunity to improve systems and deliver positive outcomes.

You may be a veterinarian looking to apply your expertise more broadly, an experienced animal welfare professional, animal scientist, or a technically minded adviser with experience working in a regulatory environment.

You’ll bring:

• A relevant tertiary qualification, ideally in veterinary science, animal science or a related discipline
• Experience in animal health, animal welfare or a related field
• An understanding of New Zealand's regulatory environment and relevant legislation
• Strong research, analytical and evidence-based problem-solving skills
• The ability to translate technical information into practical advice
• Excellent relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills
• A collaborative approach and a genuine desire to improve outcomes

You do not need to meet every requirement to apply.

About the Team – Mō tō mātou Rōpū

The Export Systems team sits within the Animal Health & Welfare Directorate and plays a key role in supporting animal welfare outcomes for New Zealand's live animal export system. The team develops and reviews standards and guidance, supports export certification processes, and works closely with a diverse range of stakeholders across MPI and the wider sector.

We're a collaborative and supportive team that values fresh thinking, open discussion and continuous improvement. If you're looking for work that combines science, policy, stakeholder engagement and animal welfare impact, you'll find plenty of opportunity here.

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

• Annual Wellness payment
• Bi-annual paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses/frames
• Career development and internal opportunities across the branch and organisation

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 apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it.

Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday 13th September 2026.

If you have any questions about the role, please email [e-mail]