• Job Type:
• Category: Advisors
• Location: Wellington City
• Date Advertised: 27-JAN-21
• Job Reference: MPI21/1508928
• Job Title: Offshore Assessor
• Business Unit:
• Division:
• Summary:

Ma tau rourou, ma taku rourou, ka ora te iwi

With your contribution and my contribution the people will prosper

Mō te Tiakitanga Putaiao Aotearoa

Our biosecurity system protects New Zealand from pests and diseases that would harm our economy, environment, and way of life. We have been very successful in protecting New Zealand from incursions of almost all pests and diseases that could cause significant harm. We can be proud of what we achieve every day. However, the threats we face are growing in scale and complexity – changing import pathways, climate change and pressure from established pests. We also play an important role in enabling two-way trade to benefit consumers and the economy. 

Biosecurity New Zealand is making changes to ensure the system is fit for the future and we can continue to protect New Zealand while supporting strong trade and economic growth in an increasingly uncertain world. We have a vacancy as an Offshore Assessor within the Animal and Plant Health team. This is a unique and exciting opportunity for an auditor of quality management systems who is passionate about NZ’s biosecurity, adaptable and can work collaboratively.

Mō tō mātou rōpū (About our team):

The Offshore Pathway Assessment team is part of the Animal and Plant Health Directorate in Biosecurity New Zealand which is responsible to provide evidence-based requirements and advice to manage risk offshore and enable safe trade and protect NZ from biosecurity risks.

Te whainga poto o tēnei tūranga (What is the purpose of this position?):

The Offshore Assessor will work in the Offshore Pathway Assessment team and will work with technical experts across other teams in the Animal and Plant Health Directorate of Biosecurity NZ to conduct audits of offshore facilities, trading partner’s export systems and commodity pathways to provide ongoing assurance that biosecurity risk is managed offshore. Audits will be conducted either remotely (by video conference) and may need be outside of normal working hours or will be conducted onsite at offshore locations. You will, therefore, need to be flexible in your working hours and be able to travel (once current travel restrictions are removed). You will have experience in auditing of quality systems or plant production systems and a qualification in plant biology, pathology or a related field. As part of the role you will also:

• Liaise across teams in the Animal & Plant Health Directorate, Biosecurity New Zealand and Market Access
• Participate in monitoring, evaluation and reporting on the performance of the import pathways to overseas authorities
• Participate in setting offshore audit schedules using risk-based criteria
• Liaise with overseas authorities and international organisations to ensure information sharing and consistency in the interpretation and application of internationally approved standards and that the technical basis of NZ’s measures are understood

The Offshore Pathway Assessment team works in a constantly evolving environment, so specific work activities may change in line with changing expectations.

Ngā Pūkenga me ngā Wheako (Skills & Experience):

• A qualification in auditing of quality management systems
• A relevant tertiary qualification in plant, biological sciences or a related field
• Experience as a lead auditor
• Good stakeholder and engagement skills
• Good written and verbal communication and presentation skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to plan, set priorities and meet deadlines
• Sound judgement analytical and problem-solving skills

If this sounds like you and you have the motivation and desire to be successful within a dynamic team, we would encourage you to submit an application. 

Ahurea – (Culture):

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture. We are fair in our behaviour and our policies promote equal opportunity for all. We provide numerous training programmes and opportunities for people to continuously improve their skill sets and keep up to date with global best practices. MPI has a focus on career pathways so this is the first step in your career with us and we will help you grow. 

To find out more about the Ministry and what we do please click here

Ngā hua o te Mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua: – (Benefits of working at MPI):

• Up to three additional (MPI holidays) leave days
• Career development and internal opportunities across the branch and organisation
• Wellness benefit for employees

Further information around the benefits of working for MPI can be watched here

Tonu mai inaianei (Apply now):

To view the position description and/or apply for the role (submitting a cover letter and current curriculum vitae), please click “APPLY NOW” or visit the MPI Careers Site. For tracking and reporting purposes, all applications must be submitted through our online careers portal.

To apply for this role 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 order to be considered for this role, applicants must be available to interview within New Zealand.

The successful applicant must be able to obtain the relevant security clearance Please visit http://www.mpi.govt.nz/about-mpi/careers/apply/security-clearance for more information.

For information please refer to the position description on the MPI careers website or email jolene.ingram@mpi.govt.nz 

Applications close 10 February 2021.

The Ministry for Primary Industries is committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values inclusion and diversity. Your unique talents and experience will help us deliver exceptional services to our communities in Aotearoa. In return you’ll enjoy an inclusive and flexible working environment in a diverse team of people while you’re growing your career here in NZ and internationally. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so that we can assist you through the recruitment process.