Senior Researcher

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Are you an experienced Senior Researcher ready to assist in the development of a research project and develop methodologies for measuring indicators and their adverse impacts?
• Use your significant research background and in-depth knowledge of sources and information gathering to scope projects, develop methodologies and proactively engage with a range of people and agencies to achieve time bound outcomes.
• Be able to work well independently and in a team and use the skillsets and strengths of others to benefit the project.
• Fixed term full time till 31/03/2027, salary $85,537 - $101,911, Wellington, Auckland or Christchurch.

Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:

The Senior Researcher in the Our Future Services programme will contribute to delivering a more cost-effective immigration system that is more productive, more effective at managing immigration risk, and provides a better experience for our customers and staff. 

The programme will be delivered through multiple workstreams working in parallel, with each workstream implementing key initiatives with set milestone dates.

You will be part of the MBIE Intelligence and Country Research (MICR) Branch within Corporate and Digital Shared Services. As a Senior Researcher you will play a key role in transforming the immigration system and will report to the Manager, Risk Research.  

You will provide Research, evaluation, and analytical support across workstreams, coordinating MICR activities and MBIE functions with external partners and stakeholders as well as the New Zealand Intelligence Community.
 

About the Team

The Senior Researcher will work in the Risk Research workstream, contributing across all of MICR. As part of this project, you will also be working with teams across MBIE.  In return we offer:

• The opportunity to come alongside and work in a great environment with a highly skilled and enthusiastic team.
• You will be given every opportunity to use your professional skills and contribute to the intelligence and research 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:

• 2+ years post grad Researcher experience at a senior level.  
• Knowledge and experience in developing methodologies, evaluation, wide ranging information gathering, and international best practice.
• Knowledge of research as applied to support decision making processes.
• 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 engage a variety of stakeholders, 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 relevant 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. 

Email Jackie Johnson at jackie.johnson@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/16920 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on 31st March 2025 at 11.59pm