Principal Adviser

Permanent position - based in New Zealand; Christchurch or Auckland

Looking for a challenge? Keen to make a real difference?

• Contribute to the achievement of MPI's strategic outcomes by ensuring that the team is supported to deliver surveillance and priority investigation, response and preparedness programmes via provision of sound advice, strategic and technical leadership, analysis and recommendations
• Enhance MPI's surveillance and investigation ability to high priority risks in the Plant and Environment sectors by increasing MPI's knowledge of new science, technologies and innovations through developing and maintaining relationships with key science and technology providers
• Work effectively in the role assigned in Response Management Framework to support the efficient management of high priority risks in New Zealand
• In conjunction with the leadership team and others with subject matter expertise, the Principal Advisor will support the delivery of programmes that promote knowledge transfer and information sharing across MPI
• Credibly represent MPI in appropriate international fora as required
• Provide coaching, mentoring and advice to colleagues to ensure their success
• Receive and manage reports of pests and diseases, plan and conduct investigations including risk assessment, options analysis, field activities and urgent measures for containment and control in accordance with procedures.

• Relevant tertiary qualification (Masters or PhD, or equivalent) in the plant and environment disciplines
• Ideally a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience as a scientist or in a strongly similar working environment with a focus on pests and diseases of the plant and environment sectors
• Previous experience in the design and implementation of surveillance programmes
• Previous experience in establishing and effectively maintaining collaborative relationships with industry, science stakeholders, Maori and Government (central and regional) agencies
• Specialist knowledge and experience in the plant and environment sectors, both science and industry
• Experience in delivery of cross agency collaborative projects.