Research Funding New Zealand - Board Chair

About Research Funding New Zealand

The Government is making changes to New Zealand’s research, science, innovation, and technology system to clarify priorities, lift economic outcomes, and harness advanced technology for a more prosperous future. These changes will maximise the value of public investment in the system, ensure it responds to priorities, and keeps pace with technological advances. 

Research Funding New Zealand (RFNZ) Board (the Board) is the cornerstone for these changes, established as an independent board for the purpose of translating Government science priorities into investments that make a difference for New Zealanders. 

Specific skills and experience sought

The Minister is seeking candidates for Chair of the Board who bring the following mix of skills and experience:

Governance and Leadership 

• Strong governance experience, including serving as Chair on public or private boards. 
• Proven strategic leadership, with success in shaping and delivering long-term strategies in complex environments. 
• Experience leading diverse, high-performing boards, with a focus on inclusive decision-making and effective group dynamics.

Science, Innovation and Technology Funding Expertise

• Deep understanding of New Zealand’s science, innovation, and technology system, including its institutions, funding mechanisms, and policy settings.
• Understanding the relevance of the Treaty of Waitangi / Te Tiriti o Waitangi and mātauranga Māori within the science, innovation, and technology system.
• Experience in funding disbursement, grant allocation, and application assessment processes.
• Knowledge of investment decision-making best practice, particularly in science and innovation contexts.
• Familiarity with research impact assessment and performance monitoring frameworks.

Public Sector and Accountability.

• Understanding of public accountability, including the machinery of government, Cabinet processes, and ministerial relationships.
• Experience working with or advising Ministers, including navigating political and policy environments.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trust and maintain relationships across science, innovation, and technology sectors.
• Ability to represent the Board and its work with credibility and integrity.

Personal Attributes

• Sound judgment and integrity, with a commitment to transparency and ethical leadership.
• Collegial and facilitative leadership style, able to build consensus and manage differing views constructively.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including valuing Mātauranga Māori and other knowledge systems.

Chair responsibilities

• Lead the Board in line with its purpose and the Minister’s expectations, including public representation when required.
• Ensure effective governance and accountability practices are upheld. 
• Oversee the Board’s performance to ensure it is efficient, consistent, and financially responsible, in line with public service values.
• Chair Board meetings to ensure effective governance and decision making, including:
• • Setting the annual calendar and agendas with the secretariat.  
  • Managing conflicts of interest.
  • Supporting informed discussion and inclusive participation. 
  • Facilitating consensus and summarising outcomes. 

• Participating in recruitment processes for new Board members, including:
• • Maintaining oversight of the desired skills, experience, and diversity of the Board.
  • Supporting Ministers (via MBIE) in the (re)appointment of members.
  • Guiding and supporting the ongoing development and performance of Board members.

• Maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, including the Minister, MBIE, and the wider science, innovation, and technology sector.
• Promote a culture of integrity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the management of strategic risks and reputational matters.
• Lead periodic evaluations of the Board’s performance and effectiveness.
• Exemplify the highest standards of governance, like all Board members, by:
• • Acting with honesty and integrity.
  • Acting in good faith and not at the expense of the Board’s interests.
  • Acting with reasonable care, due diligence, and skill.
  • Not disclosing, or making use of information that would otherwise not be available to them.
  • Adhering to the Standards of Integrity and Conduct(external link) — Public Service Commission.

Time commitment and remuneration

The Board is likely to meet monthly, with a greater time commitment during its establishment phase. 

Members are entitled to receive remuneration at a rate determined by the Minister in accordance with the Cabinet Fees Framework. 

The Chair will receive an annual fee of $62,300 for their governance responsibilities. An additional daily fee of $1,025 may be claimed for approved advisory work, with claims monitored by the secretariat to ensure alignment with Board remuneration policies. 

Board members are also entitled to reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred while carrying out Board duties.

Further information

Candidates with conflicts that cannot be properly managed will not be appointed.  This includes people in senior leadership or governance roles at New Zealand public research organisations and universities.

A position description for the role can be found here: Research Funding New Zealand Board - Chair 

Please note that applications close 27 October at midnight.

For enquiries about the position, email: board.appointments@mbie.govt.nz