• Job Type:
• Category: Advisors
• Location: Wellington City
• Date Advertised: 13-JAN-21
• Job Reference: MPI20/1502771
• Job Title: Senior Adviser Animal Welfare – Science
• Business Unit:
• Division:
• Summary:

Senior Adviser Animal Welfare – Science

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

• Provide technical support and develop animal welfare standards
• 2 permanent positions based in Wellington
• Join a dedicated team making a difference in Animal Welfare

Agriculture & Investment Services works to create a thriving and sustainable future for farmers, growers, primary industries, and rural communities. It also cares for the health and well-being of animals. We work across MPI and with other agencies to support innovative farm land use practices that deliver more value and improved environmental outcomes. The Investment Programmes Directorate works across the value chain from the farm-gate through to finished products and we have supported a number of initiatives and research programmes in New Zealand using our suite of funding products.

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

The Senior Adviser Animal Welfare Science role provides technical support for the development of animal welfare standards, including codes of welfare and regulations. It is also to provide technical advice on good practice and scientific knowledge relevant to the physical, health and behavioural needs of animals, including animals in entertainment, in research, testing and teaching, and farmed, working and companion animals. This role is integral to maintaining New Zealand’s international standing for the care of animals and reputation as a responsible agricultural producer.  

Animal welfare issues are complex and you will need to be sensitive to the views of all parties when developing policies and standards.

To be successful in this role you will have the following skills and attributes:

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject or veterinary qualification
• Experience in an animal or animal welfare related field
• Broad knowledge of the New Zealand regulatory environment and Animal Welfare Act 1999
• Experience in managing relationships and consultation with an assortment of external stakeholders
• Methodical approach to problem solving with ability to attend to detail
• Well developed research and analytical skills
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with people from all levels of an organisation
• Well developed written and verbal communication and presentation skills

• Self-motivated with good organisational skills, able to set priorities and meet deadlines

This is your opportunity to join an organisation with the vision to grow and protect New Zealand, by maximising export opportunities for the primary industries, improving sector productivity, increasing sustainable resource use, and protecting New Zealand from biological risk.

Mō tō mātou rōpū - About our team

The Animal Welfare Science team sits within a wider Animal Welfare Team in the Animal Health & Welfare Directorate of the Agriculture and Investment Services Branch of the Ministry for Primary Industries. The Animal Welfare Science team provides secretariat support to the two animal welfare Ministerial advisory committees to the Minister, the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) and the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC), and also works closely with the Animal Welfare Sector Liaison team in the implementation of regulations and standards.

Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua - About MPI

MPI is responsible for ‘Growing and Protecting New Zealand’. It’s no mean feat, and we have a team of hard working and passionate people in a variety of roles both on the ground and in the office supporting us to make this happen.  MPI has a focus on career pathways and we will work with you to help you grow.  To see the benefits of working at MPI, please click here

Me pēhea te tuku tono - How to apply

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

To view the position description and/or apply for the role (submitting a cover letter and current curriculum vitae), please click on “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.  

Closing date for applications is Tuesday 19 January 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.