Principal Researcher

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Are you a highly experienced Researcher ready to assist in the development of the research profession within MBIE Intelligence and Country Research (MICR).
• Use your significant research background to enhance our best practices, including capability development and coordinating and delivery of training.
• Advance your career in research and make a meaningful contribution to the profession.
• Permanent role, salary $101,911 - 121,196, Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch, Kiwi-Saver and Wellness Benefits.

Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:

The Principal Researcher is the technical research expert for MICR (MBIE Intelligence and Country Research). A deep understanding of research methodologies and the application of relevant tools is required.

In this role, you will work with the Technical Director Practice and Professional Development (IPPD), and in partnership with the Lead Advisor Intelligence Practice, Principal Intelligence Analyst IPPD, and across other MICR functions. You will be an integral part of the team working to deliver on IPPD objectives, including having an active role in ensuring best practice, coordinating, developing and delivering training, working with MICR practitioners as mentor and coach, and ensuring effective organisation of the MI He Tāngata progression framework. As a Principal Researcher in MICR you will also be involved in the production and coordination of MICR products.

Our Researchers use a suite of online and hard-copy resources to answer research questions. We are flexible in our work, providing a range of research support to customers across MBIE, partners and stakeholders.

Your adaptable and collaborative approach in conjunction with your deep understanding of research methodologies and technical research expertise will help to set the tone for standards and professionalism in MICR. You will use your well-developed communication skills to build and maintain effective relationships internally within MICR, and with our MBIE internal partners, external agencies, and other stakeholders. 

At MICR, we believe in a 'one team' view, where all members contribute to the wide spectrum of our work as needed and when development opportunities arise. If you're ready to take your expertise to the next level and make a real impact in the world of research, we encourage you to apply for this exciting position today.
 

About the Team

The Principal Researcher will work in the Intelligence Practice and Professional Development (IPPD) workstream, contributing across all of MICR. The IPPD team champions MI’s professional tradecraft and standards and provides leadership across MBIE on the development of our highly valued workforce and He Tāngata, our progression framework. To support the delivery of these outcomes the IPPD strategically plans the professionalisation of its workforce, ensuring current and future capability requirements are identified, developed, and planned for.

In return we offer:

• The opportunity to come alongside and work in a great environment with a small but highly skilled and enthusiastic team.
• You will be given every opportunity to use your professional skills and contribute to the research and intelligence professions.
• The chance to dive into work that can be fast-paced and will require you to demonstrate your flexibility, adaptability, and resilience.
• If you want to expand your potential, then this role is ideal to push those limits.

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana -

Skills and Experience Required
 

We're really keen to hear from you if you have:

• 4+ years Researcher experience at a senior level within a government agency.  
• Knowledge and experience in Country of Origin Information (COI) international best practice.
• Knowledge of COI research as applied to support decision making processes including refugee status determination.
• Significant experience using, and imparting knowledge of, the application of research tools and best research practices to ensure ‘fit for purpose’ products. 
• Demonstratable and proven ability to influence, train, mentor and coach others to achieve outcomes.
• Clear, concise communication and presentation skills, written and oral at all levels, including preparing and delivering training material. 
• Involvement in developing and maintaining an environment focused on continuous improvement to enhance organisational performance.
• Astute, with strong research skills, a problem-solving approach and robust judgement.
• Effective interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop and maintain productive relationships across a diverse stakeholder base and range of agencies.
• A collaborative and action-oriented approach to issues, tasks, and projects.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt within a dynamic environment.

 The following may be an advantage:

• A tertiary qualification or comparable relevant experience.
• Previous experience with regulatory functions or law enforcement in the public sector.
• An understanding of research, intelligence and risk management within the public sector.
• Experience handling sensitive or classified information.
• Have experience in supporting a national security response.

Ētahi kōrero mō MBIE - About MBIE:

MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders.

We do this by working with others to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities and by working to ensure quality housing is more affordable.

People are at the heart of our mahi, our way of working is guided by our values which shape our behaviours.

• Mahi Tahi – Better Together
• Māia – Bold and brave
• Pae Kahurangi – Build our Future
• Pono Me Te Tika – Own It

Our aspirations are echoed in our Māori identity – Hīkina Whakatutuki – which broadly means ‘lifting to make successful'.

MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Māori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Māori, other Māori groups/organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Māori and for wider Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to continuing to partner with iwi in order to find new sustainable solutions to address long standing systemic and cross-cutting issues facing Māori and wider Aotearoa New Zealand and we are also committed to identifying opportunities for iwi to lead and creating an enabling environment for iwi to leverage these opportunities.

E mōhio ana a Hīkina Whakatutuki i puea ake te kōtuinga I waenganui i a ngāi Māori me te Karauna i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ā, kei te whai ia ki te whakaū ake i Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Mā te whai kiko o ngā kōtuinga ahungaroa o ngāi wi, o ngāi Māori, me ētahi atu rōpū Māori ki te Karauna, katutuki tēnei. He āhuatanga nui tēnei e āhei ai ngā mahi whanaketanga ā-ohanga, ā-pāpori hoki ki a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui. E whai tonu ana mātou ki te kōtui atu ki ngā iwi mō te rapu huarahi hou ki te whakaara i ngā kaupapakua roa nei e tāmi ana i a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui, ā, e whai ana hoki ki te tautohu i ngā āheinga kōkiritanga mā ngā iwi, me te tautoko i ngā iwi kia whai mana ake ai ēnei āheinga.

Me pēhea te tono - How to Apply:

Click here to view a position description. All applications must be submitted via our online process and include a Cover Letter and CV outlining your interest and suitability for the role. 

For your application to be considered you must be a New Zealand citizen or have New Zealand permanent residency. You must also be able to obtain and/or maintain a Top-Secret New Zealand national security clearance if not already obtained (check your eligibility here).

Email Jackie Johnson at Jackie.johnson@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/15631 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on the 10th March 2025 at 11.59pm