Research Funding New Zealand - Board members

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 Board membership who can, in combination with other members, provide a mix of the following skills and experience:  

Leadership and strategy, including:

• demonstrated leadership experience
• financial acumen 
• risk management
• strategic thinking 
• understanding of good governance practice.

Science, innovation, and technology expertise, including: 

• understanding of the science, innovation, and technology system
• experience in funding and investment decision-making
• direct knowledge of international science systems
• academic achievement and thought leadership 
• senior experience in research organisations such as universities, public research organisations, or independent research organisations 
• strong science, innovation, and technology networks at community, national, and international levels
• familiarity with research methods, evaluation, and frameworks  
• understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi / Te Tiriti o Waitangi and mātauranga Māori in the science, innovation, and technology system. 

Technical and functional expertise in one of more of the following fields: 

• environmental sciences (including ecology)
• computer science (including artificial intelligence, data science, machine learning)
• health sciences
• biological science
• physical sciences and/or engineering. 

Industry and commercialisation, including:

• management or board level experience
• research and development experience
• an understanding of, and experience in, commercialising science, innovation, and technology 
• capital raising 
• Intellectual property licensing including awareness of indigenous IP considerations, where relevant.

Government experience, including:

• experience across government agencies 
• understanding machinery of government and public accountability. 

Ideally, at least one Board member will be based overseas, with strong international networks and expertise in international science systems, research funding models and developments in science, innovation, and technology. 

Board members are appointed as individuals to deliver on their collective responsibilities and not as representatives of particular sectors or interest groups. Diversity of experience and background of members across the Board is a key consideration.

Member responsibilities

RFNZ Board members will work with the Chair and other members to:

• Provide leadership to the Board, consistent with its purpose and the Minister’s expectations.
• Ensure effective governance and accountability practices are upheld.
• Attend Board meetings and participate fully in discussions. This includes constructively challenging the views of other Board members where appropriate, while being collegial and supportive.
• Work effectively with peers and stakeholders. 
• Ensure conflicts of interest are managed.

Collective and individual duties

Board members must ensure the Board operates efficiently, effectively, consistently with public service values, and manages finances responsibly. Members must exemplify the highest standards of governance 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. 

Members will receive an annual fee of $31,200 for their governance responsibilities. An additional daily fee of $669 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 - member

Please note that applications close 27 October at midnight. 

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