• Job Type:
• Category: Advisors
• Location: Wellington City
• Date Advertised: 15-JAN-21
• Job Reference: MPI21/1506429
• Job Title: Principal Strategic Projects Adviser
• Business Unit:
• Division:
• Summary:

Principal Strategic Projects Adviser (6 months fixed term)

• Are you a project and programme management champion that can design and deliver tools for a large organisation?
• Do you have a knack with engaging with practitioners to understand their needs and then turning this into practical steps that will improve performance?
• Are you strategic and action oriented, good at turning ideas into tangible initiatives that makes a difference?
• Are you good at getting the job done, finding ways through roadblocks to deliver?

Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua – About MPI

The Ministry for Primary Industries/Manatū Ahu Matua works to safeguard New Zealanders’ way of life well in the future. To ensure this, we have a vision where New Zealand is the world’s most sustainable provider of high-value food and primary products. Our organisational strategy sets the direction we need to take to achieve this vision and ensure the success of the food and primary industries for the benefit of all New Zealanders. For more information on our current strategy, see Our Strategy.

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

Mō tō mātou rōpū – About the Team

The Strategy Directorate is part of the Compliance and Governance Branch, and its work contributes to ensuring there is confidence in the operation of MPI. Our primary internal customers are the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) in their collective role as the leaders of MPI and as Governance members. We support SLT to create a strong sense of common purpose throughout MPI and the primary industries through the development of a strategy for the organisation.

Kōrero mō te tūranga – About the Role

We are seeking an experienced strategic projects adviser, working at a principal level and with a successful track record in leading work on establishing fit-for-purpose project and programme management systems and tools.

Your key role will be to establish a consistent MPI-wide set of processes and systems for project and programme management and develop a plan for building in-house knowledge and capability. Working closely with the Director Strategy, you will lead the first phase of change plan, establish a working group of key contributors across MPI and report to a governance group of senior leaders on progress and to seek direction. You will also be working closely with a senior adviser to establish a community of practice and scope the next phase of work.

This role provides many opportunities to engage with senior leaders and others across a large complex organisation. The right candidate will have a solid understanding of project and programme management methodologies, the machinery of government, and organisational change in a large public service organisation. Developing strong networks will be necessary to be effective in this role, so your relationship skills will be key to your success.  As there are always competing priorities in a large organisation, you will need drive, persistence and resilience to ensure the job gets done.

Mōu – About You

To join us you will need:

• A tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience,
• Project and/or management qualifications
• A proven track record of achieving high quality results through your action orientation
• Strong stakeholder management experience in building credibility and effective working relationships and with senior leaders, technical specialists, and peers
• Integrity, maturity and excellent listening, writing and communication skills
• Ability and interest in coaching / mentoring others in the team and across the business.

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

• Brand new offices close to Railway Station
• Up to three additional (MPI holidays) leave days
• Career development and internal opportunities across the branch and organisation
• Comprehensive one-week MPI Induction Programme
• Flexible working – we support work life balance and flexible work arrangements whenever possible

The salary for this role is circa $109,000 to $128,000 depending on skills and experience.

Me pēhea te tuku tono – How to Apply

To view the position description and/or apply for the role please click “APPLY FOR THIS JOB” 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.

The closing date is 31 January 2021

If you have any questions about the role, please email jessica.bradley@mpi.govt.nz   

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.