Senior Advisor

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Play a pivotal role in shaping New Zealand’s research investment decisions by providing expert governance and policy advice to an independent board managing the bulk of the government’s science research funds. . 
• Collaborate across science policy and investment teams to deliver clear, timely, and sound advice that enables RFNZ to make transparent, high-quality decision-making, and strengthens governance systems. 
• Lead improvements in governance processes, anticipate and resolve issues, and ensure RFNZ’s decisions and recommendations are implemented effectively to support the science and innovation system.
• Wellington based permanent role with a salary range of between $118k to $143k + kiwisaver and Wellness benefits

Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:

The Senior Advisor plays a key role in supporting Research Funding New Zealand (RFNZ) to deliver its statutory and advisory functions. Acting as a trusted advisor to the RFNZ Chair and Board, you’ll provide expert governance and policy advice on research investment decisions across an $800m funding portfolio. 

Working closely with the Advisor and collaborating with the Science System Investment and Performance (SSIP) branch and Science Policy teams, you’ll ensure RFNZ receives clear, timely, and defensible advice to enable transparent, high-quality decision-making. This role also anticipates and resolves governance issues, drives improvements, and ensures RFNZ decisions are effectively implemented.

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana -

Skills and Experience Required

 Examples include:

•    In-depth understanding of research funding processes, covering policy, funding mechanisms, decision-making, and performance frameworks. 
•    Sound grasp of governance principles and practices, with experience applying them in complex environments. 
•    Comprehensive knowledge of government processes and public sector management practices. 
•    Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build rapport quickly, influence outcomes, and develop long-term relationships.
•    Comfortable working with ambiguity, able to adapt quickly and make sound decisions without having the full picture. 
•    Strong strategic thinking and the ability to translate strategy into action. 
•    Politically savvy, with the ability to navigate complex organisational environments effectively. 
•    Proven ability to organise workflow, manage competing priorities, and deliver results. 
•    Resilient under pressure, maintaining focus and quality in challenging situations. 
•    Analytical and decisive, with the ability to interpret information and exercise sound judgment.
•    Must have legal right to live and work in NZ

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 Matt Guy at matt.guy@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/18818 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on 14th of December 2025