Researcher

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Do you have a knowledge of international current affairs and human rights issues? A passion for finding information and discovering new sources of information?
• Come and join our Country Research and Open-Source Unit based in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch; Palmerston North and Hamilton also considered.
• Salary between $75,114k - $88,266k + KiwiSaver + Wellness Benefits

Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:

The role of Researcher in MBIE Intelligence and Country Research’s (MICR) Country Research and Open-Source Intelligence (CROS) teams offers daily information challenges on wide-ranging topics. 

MICR’s research capability is primarily to provide research to help answer questions about the political, social, cultural, economic issues in support of decision-making and risk assessment processes. Our researchers use a suite of online and hard-copy resources to answer research questions from INZ, MBIE and partner agencies. We are flexible in our work, providing a range of research support to customers. You will bring a deep understanding of research methodologies and technical research expertise.

The three main centres that MICR operates from are Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. We work hard to support each other and communicate effectively across locations.

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 Researcher will work in the Country Research and Open-Source Intelligence (CROS) workstreams, contributing across all of MICR. CROS is made up of 4 teams.

The two Protection teams contribute to New Zealand’s international obligations to support our refugee status determination process through the delivery of Country of Origin Information (COI) to MBIE and the Immigration & Protection Tribunal (IPT).

The Risk team provides open-source research responses to support decision makers across MBIE on strategic, operational and tactical matters.

The Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) team provides actionable open-source collections, support, and assessments across a range of MBIE thematic areas.

We are a dedicated team of customer focused Researchers and Analysts, with a range of skills including expertise in online searching, development of sophisticated research strategies; information source assessment, clear and concise written communication; presentation and training.

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana -

Skills and Experience Required
 

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

• Robust source evaluation skills, analytical thinking in relation to bias and verification of information gleaned from a variety of publicly available sources/online sources and social media research.
• High level of digital literacy and advanced technical expertise in online collection techniques. This includes the ability to formulate, adapt and execute complex online search strategies, and effectively searching proprietary databases.
• Ability to review large amounts of information and apply this to generate clear, concise written and oral communication.
• A commitment to quality, data ethics, information security and confidentiality.
• Service-minded individual with an excellent record of engaging with customers to understand and meet information needs.
• An open-minded and reflective practitioner with an excellent record of collaboration across a varied team environment.
• Analytical and lateral thinker with ability to quickly assimilate new information, practices, and tradecraft.
• An interest in human rights, international current affairs, and global security issues.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills for varied audiences, including developing and delivering presentations.
• Excellent time management skills and a
• Relevant degree and post-graduate (NZQA approved) qualification

The following may be an advantage:

• Previous experience with regulatory functions, intelligence practice.
• An understanding of research within the public sector, with experience handling sensitive or classified information and research methodologies.

For your application to be considered, you must be either a New Zealand Citizen or hold a Permanent Residency class visa. You will also be required to obtain and maintain a Confidential New Zealand security clearance (you can check your eligibility here). A credit check will also be required.

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. 

When you are ready to apply please send a CV and cover letter telling us why you're the perfect fit for this role.

All applications must be submitted via our online process.

We can't wait to hear from you!

Email Sarah Hutcheson at sarah.hutcheson@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/17828 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on Tuesday 5 August 2025.