The Ministry for Primary Industries is offering two roles for people looking to use their communications skills to help prevent foodborne illness and support New Zealand's important primary sector.

The Senior Communications Advisor will focus on providing high quality advice and support to New Zealand Food Safety, which sets food safety rules for businesses and works to provide people with targeted and timely advice to keep safe from foodborne illness.

The Communications Advisor will support MPI's compliance function, helping to make sure people understand the rules, with a particular focus on animal welfare and fisheries.

Both roles will be based in MPI's Public Affairs branch and will involve working together with people from across MPI, other agencies, industry and community organisations, and media to enhance the Ministry's reputation and ensure New Zealand is recognised one of the world's most sustainable provider of high-value food and primary products.

Mōu - About You

You will be described as energetic, adaptable and innovative.  You will thrive when working within a complex, fast past environment.  These positions will suit people who enjoy building and maintaining effective relationships.  You will contribute to a thriving team environment committed to delivering results for MPI, New Zealand's primary industries and the public.

 To join us you will need to have:

• A solid track record in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations or related areas.
• A qualification in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience.
• Previous experience in the planning and delivery of multi-channel communications and engagement projects, including events.
• Proven experience in establishing and maintaining positive working relationships and collaborating with people at all levels in an organisation.
• A proven ability to deliver quality material on time, achieving positive results, and within budget.
• Strong skills in writing/editing/formatting communications material and the ability to present complex information clearly and simply.
• Excellent attention to detail, especially for branding, written grammar, and record keeping.

Experience working in the public sector is an advantage but is not required.

Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua - About MPI

The Ministry for Primary Industries is helping to seize export opportunities for our primary industries, improve sector productivity, ensure the food we produce is safe, increase sustainable resource use, and protect New Zealand from biological risk.

To find out more about the Ministry and what we do please click here

See the benefits of working at MPI

Wā Mahi Ngāwari - Flexible Working

If you're interested we are open to discussing flexible working options with you.  This can take many forms such as (but not limited to) reduced hours, remote working, flexible start and finish times, compressed hours or term-time work.  Please feel free to talk to us at the interview about the flexibility you need and we will explore what's possible for the role.

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 Thursday 3 February at midnight.

Please note: if you are applying for an internal secondment, please ensure that your manager is aware and supports your application.

If you have any questions about the role, please email Fiona.O'Brien@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.