Senior Adviser, Gene Technology Assurances

Job DescriptionSenior Adviser, Gene Technology AssurancesRole Type: Fixed-term to 31st May 2026Location: WellingtonSalary range & band: General Salary Range D: $100,934 to $118,005 depending on skills and experienceAbout The Role – Kōrero Mō Te TūrangaWe're seeking a strategic and technically skilled Senior Adviser to lead a critical programme of work within New Zealand Food Safety. This role focuses on developing export assurance frameworks related to freedom from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), ensuring New Zealand's exported primary products meet importing market requirements.As Senior Adviser, you will:Lead the design and delivery of a work programme to assess and recommend export assurance frameworks for issuance of official assurance related to freedom from GMOs.Analyse existing export assurance frameworks and identify gaps to ensure alignment with trading partner expectations.Provide expert advice on export assurance systems and contribute to the integrity of New Zealand's reputation as a trusted trading partner.Collaborate across MPI and with external stakeholders including industry groups, other government agencies, and recognised laboratories.Prepare high-quality reports and recommendations for senior leadership.Support implementation of new or amended export assurance frameworks, including development of standards, verification, issuance of official assurances, and guidance materials.About You – MōuYou'll bring a strong mix of analytical thinking, regulatory knowledge, and stakeholder engagement skills. You're comfortable navigating complex technical issues and translating them into actionable recommendations.We're especially interested in candidates who have:A tertiary qualification in horticulture, food or biological science, chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, cellular and molecular biology, genetics, or a related field.Experience in developing or implementing assurance frameworks.Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex information.Knowledge of export systems and GMO-related regulation.Experience working collaboratively across government and industry.Project management experience is a plus.About The Team – Mō Tō Mātou RōpūThe Plant, Wine & Organic Assurance Team (PWO) which is responsible for the Plant export assurance programme, Wine assurance programme and Official organic assurance programme. The PWO team plays a key role in assuring the integrity, safety and reputation of New Zealand's exported food and primary products.About MPI - Mō Te Manatū Ahu MatuaWe're passionate about growing prosperity in the sector while ensuring respect for Kaitiaki – guardianship of our natural resources.Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu MatuaAnnual Wellness paymentBi-annual paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses/framesCareer development and internal opportunities across the branch and organisationSecurity checks - Ngā Taki WhakahaumaruLow level Security Clearancemost preferably a New Zealand citizen, who has resided continuously in New Zealand for at least the last five (5) years, ORis a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last five (5) years: either Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom (UK) or the United States of America (USA); and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at this level.click here to find out more about the national security vetting process and access the eligibility self-check tool.If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake? -We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori.We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatū Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.To view the position description and/or apply online, please click “APPLY” or visit the MPI Careers Site. To apply, 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.Applications close at 11.59pm on Friday 28th NovemberIf you have any questions about the role, please email george.mitrakas@mpi.govt.nzFollow MPI here - Whāia ngā tūhononga ki MPI i konei Links to Facebook, MPI Careers, LinkedIn, X