Closing Date: February 3, 2021
Job Description
- Are you an innovative scientist or social scientist with strong critical thinking skills?
- Can you think strategically, seeing the bigger picture and looking ahead?
- Would you enjoy a role that can really make a difference to New Zealand’s environment, economy and way of life?
Kōrero mō te tūranga – About the Role
Biosecurity intelligence is an emerging discipline that integrates science with the analysis of the human behaviours that influence the global spread of pests and diseases. MPI’s Biosecurity Intelligence team is responsible for providing operational and strategic biosecurity intelligence to decision makers. The team operate an early warning system by monitoring offshore biosecurity threats and issuing timely warnings of developing or changing threats.
The Biosecurity Intelligence Analysts (BIAs) within the team come from a variety of backgrounds and work collaboratively to fuse their collective understanding of science and humanities with intelligence frameworks and methodologies. Each BIA develops an in-depth understanding of aspects of the global biosecurity threat environment and the ability to understand what alterations in that environment may mean for New Zealand. This understanding is then communicated to decision makers within the biosecurity system through written products or verbal briefings.
Mōu – About You
As the successful applicant you’ll hold a post-graduate qualification in a relevant discipline of life science, social science or intelligence. Relevant disciplines include epidemiology, entomology, aquatic health, ecology, plant or veterinary pathology, microbiology, molecular biology, sociology, psychology, anthropology, human geography or strategic intelligence.
You’ll have had experience planning, leading and successfully delivering research or assessments. You’ll be skilled in working collaboratively with colleagues from other disciplines and you’ll enjoy developing and maintaining networks with the wider government, academic and intelligence communities. You will be comfortable working with ambiguity and able to readily adapt to changing requirements. Previous intelligence experience is desirable but not essential, training in intelligence techniques and tradecraft will be provided as part of the role.
Ngā hua o te Mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua: – Benefits of working at MPI
- Brand new offices close to Railway Station
- Up to three additional (MPI holidays) leave days
- Career development and internal opportunities across the branch and organisation
- Wellness benefit for employees
- Study assistance may be available
- Flexible working. We support work life balance and flexible work arrangements whenever possible
See the benefits of working at MPI
The salary for this role is circa $75k to $89k depending on skills and experience.
Higher level Security Clearance
- most preferably a NZ citizen who has resided continuously in NZ for at least the last ten (10) years, OR
- is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last ten (10) years: either Australia, Canada, NZ, UK or the USA; and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the NZSIS towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at a higher level.
- click here to find out more about the national security vetting process and access the eligibility self-check tool.
If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.
Ahurea – Culture
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture. We are fair in our behaviour and our policies promote equal opportunity for all. We provide numerous training programmes and opportunities for people to continuously improve their skill sets and keep up to date with global best practices. MPI has a focus on career pathways so this is the first step in your career with us and we will help you grow.
Me pēhea te tuku tono – How to Apply
To view the position description and/or apply for the role please click “APPLY FOR THIS JOB” or visit the MPI Careers Site.
For tracking and reporting purposes, all applications must be submitted through our online careers portal.
To apply for this role you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it – click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.
The closing date is Wednesday 3 February 2021.
If you have any questions about the role, please email amy.hopkins@mpi.govt.nz
The Ministry for Primary Industries is committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values inclusion and diversity. Your unique talents and experience will help us deliver exceptional services to our communities in Aotearoa. In return you’ll enjoy an inclusive and flexible working environment in a diverse team of people while you’re growing your career here in NZ and internationally. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so that we can assist you through the recruitment process.
For more Information: Click here