Senior Adviser - Animal Health and Biosecurity Risk

Position Overview

This is a permanent, full-time role based in Wellington City within the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). The Senior Adviser positions are integral to the Animal Health and Biosecurity Risk Analysis teams, focusing on safeguarding New Zealand from risks posed by animal and aquatic animal diseases while supporting the safe import of animals and related products.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough biosecurity risk assessments related to imported animals, aquatic animals, and animal products.
• Prepare, review, and update risk assessment documentation and analyses.
• Assist in creating, revising, and amending import standards to maintain biosecurity integrity.
• Deliver scientifically informed advice on animal, aquatic animal, and zoonotic diseases.
• Support risk management and decision-making processes tied to biosecurity.
• Contribute to preparedness and response plans for disease outbreaks.
• Engage in stakeholder consultation and collaboration activities.
• Collaborate with domestic and international partners including industry representatives and overseas counterparts.
• Participate in bilateral negotiations and trade access discussions to facilitate market access.
• Advise on veterinary certification and import requirement development.
• Translate complex scientific information effectively for diverse audiences.
• Enhance risk assessment systems, tools, and frameworks for import pathways.

Candidate Profile

• Possess a relevant tertiary qualification, ideally with postgraduate scientific or veterinary training, or substantial regulatory experience.
• Have a minimum of three years’ experience in a pertinent technical or professional role.
• Exhibit strong analytical skills with proven capacity to interpret and synthesize complex data.
• Communicate technical content clearly to both expert and non-expert audiences.
• Demonstrate a collaborative approach with a track record of building productive relationships to achieve common goals.
• Understand biosecurity legislation, regulatory frameworks, and New Zealand’s primary industry context.
• Align efforts with organizational priorities through sound judgement and effective problem-solving.
• Show confidence engaging multiple stakeholders and influencing outcomes positively.
• Manage priorities effectively with strong organizational and planning skills.
• Be knowledgeable in scientific procedures including literature reviews.
• Be proficient using common digital tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and databases.

Additional Information

People from varied backgrounds with relevant capabilities are encouraged to apply even if not all criteria are met. MPI is dedicated to Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnership principles and values diversity and inclusion, inviting applications from all communities. The organisation fosters a supportive culture promoting learning, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

About the Team and Organisation

The Animal & Aquatic Risk team provides expert scientific advice to strengthen New Zealand’s biosecurity system, while the Animal & Animal Products team focuses on import standard development and international trade negotiations. MPI partners with the food and fiber sector aiming to be a trusted global supplier.

Benefits

• Additional annual leave days exclusive to MPI staff.
• Wellness payments provided bi-annually.
• Paid eye examinations twice yearly and contributions toward corrective lenses.

Salary and Employment

This position offers a salary range of NZD 88,748 to 120,365, dependent on skills and experience.

Application Details

Applications close at 11:59pm on Thursday 13th August 2026. Applicants must have or be eligible to obtain work rights in New Zealand.