Job Description

Ma tau rourou, ma taku rourou, ka ora te iwi (with your contribution and my contribution the people will prosper)

• Work in a high-profile area and make a significant impact for New Zealand's economy and environment.
• Support the development of a more sustainable and productive Aquaculture sector – harnessing Aotearoa's marine space to deliver higher living standards.
• Develop and empower a motivated and enthusiastic team to increase impact in the sector.
• Work closely with iwi, industry, and other agencies to inform a balanced understanding of how so support the industry.
• Engage closely with Ministers and lead a policy team that develops solutions within the Oceans and Fisheries Portfolio.
• Grow and develop as a leader by joining one of MPI's Primary Sector Policy teams and helping lead the Directorate as part of the management team.

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

We are looking for a high performing leader who has experience in central government policy processes and in managing and developing staff. You will be someone who cares about building capability within the team and can maintain a collaborative and collegial atmosphere. You will need to be engaged, maintain a positive and calm attitude, and be available to support the team while managing competing pressures and expectations.

You will be supporting the Director by contributing to the leadership of the directorate and participating as a member of the Directorate Leadership Team and in relevant MPI forums.

The person in this role manages the Aquaculture Policy team and works collaboratively with the Fisheries Policy team, Fisheries New Zealand and the Directorate Leadership Team.

As an experienced Manager, you will bring:

• Experience in, and a passion for, staff management and development.
• Experience in leading a team developing and delivering fast-paced public policy.
• Experience in managing relationships and consulting with government, iwi/Māori and industry stakeholders.

Mō tō mātou rōpū - About our team

The Aquaculture Policy Team provides advice on customary, recreational, commercial and environmental issues. We lead a range of evidence-based policy initiatives, working with other Government agencies, iwi and engaging with a range of stakeholders both in Wellington and around New Zealand. Our diverse work includes:

• Open ocean aquaculture reform to enable a sustainable, multi-billion-dollar industry that supports thriving regions
• Environmental initiatives such as marine protection reform
• Engaging with iwi and other stakeholders to generate high quality advice
• Providing high-profile analysis and advice on all aquaculture issues, contracting socio-economic research and conducting public consultation.

We are a dedicated and focused team, and we work collaboratively with each other in a collegial and supportive atmosphere.

Primary Sector Policy is a newly created Directorate consisting of six policy teams reflecting all of New Zealand's food and fibre sectors. This offers a unique chance to support the high performance of New Zealand's primary sectors by looking both deeply within sectors and across sector boundaries.

Mō te peka - About the Branch

The Policy & Trade Branch's role is to deliver strategic thinking and policy advice, supported by insights and analysis to inform government's decisions and pathway towards a sustainable future. We work with Ministers, across government agencies and key stakeholders to get better outcomes for New Zealand. It focuses on sustainable economic growth, resource management, rural communities and the contribution of the food and fibre sector to the economic performance and well-being of New Zealand.