Manager Climate Change Policy, Agriculture
Job Description
Manager Climate Change Policy, Agriculture
Role Type: Fixed-Term, April 2026 - December 2026
Location: Wellington
Salary range & band : General Salary Range A: $162,094 to $189,933 depending on skills and experience
About The Role – Kōrero Mō Te Tūranga
We're looking for an experienced and strategic leader to join our Policy & Trade business unit as Manager Climate Change Policy - Agriculture. This is a pivotal role leading a team that provides advice to MPI and Ministers on agricultural climate change policy. You'll shape long-term policy options to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions (both reductions and removals), advise on system settings, and support adaptation in the primary sector.
As Manager, you will:
You'll bring a strong mix of policy expertise, leadership capability, and strategic thinking. We're looking for someone who can navigate complex policy environments and deliver results that make a real difference for New Zealand's future.
Essential skills and experience:
About The Team – Mō Tō Mātou Rōpū
You'll be part of the Resources & Rural Communities directorate within the Policy and Trade business unit. We provide strategic policy advice and analysis to support sustainable economic growth, resource management, and the resilience of rural communities.
About MPI - Mō Te Manatū Ahu Matua
We're passionate about growing prosperity in the sector while ensuring respect for Kaitiaki – guardianship of our natural resources.
Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua
Low level Security Clearance
Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake? -
We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori.
We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatū Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.
In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.
To view the position description and/or apply online, please click “APPLY” or visit the MPI Careers Site. To apply, 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.
Applications close at 11.59pm Monday 26th January
If you have any questions about the role, please email george.mitrakas@mpi.govt.nz
Follow MPI here - Whāia ngā tūhononga ki MPI i konei
Links to Facebook, MPI Careers, LinkedIn, X
Manager Climate Change Policy, Agriculture
Role Type: Fixed-Term, April 2026 - December 2026
Location: Wellington
Salary range & band : General Salary Range A: $162,094 to $189,933 depending on skills and experience
About The Role – Kōrero Mō Te Tūranga
We're looking for an experienced and strategic leader to join our Policy & Trade business unit as Manager Climate Change Policy - Agriculture. This is a pivotal role leading a team that provides advice to MPI and Ministers on agricultural climate change policy. You'll shape long-term policy options to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions (both reductions and removals), advise on system settings, and support adaptation in the primary sector.
As Manager, you will:
- Lead the development of policy advice on agricultural climate change mitigation, including settings under Emissions Reduction Plans.
- Oversee work on legislation and regulation, such as the Climate Change Response Act.
- Work collaboratively across MPI, government agencies, industry, Māori, and other stakeholders to ensure policy interventions and system settings are practical and effective.
- Provide strategic leadership and manage a team of 6–9 policy professionals, ensuring robust planning, performance, and development systems.
- Give effect to the Crown's Treaty obligations and engage appropriately with Māori.
You'll bring a strong mix of policy expertise, leadership capability, and strategic thinking. We're looking for someone who can navigate complex policy environments and deliver results that make a real difference for New Zealand's future.
Essential skills and experience:
- Proven track record in people leadership and team development.
- In-depth understanding of climate change policy and its implications for primary industries.
- Experience in policy development and navigating the machinery of government, as well as strong political nous.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, including experience engaging with Ministers, senior leaders, and senior stakeholders.
- Knowledge of international climate change policy.
- Understanding of climate policy and/or economic modelling
- Strong agricultural and land-use systems understanding.
About The Team – Mō Tō Mātou Rōpū
You'll be part of the Resources & Rural Communities directorate within the Policy and Trade business unit. We provide strategic policy advice and analysis to support sustainable economic growth, resource management, and the resilience of rural communities.
About MPI - Mō Te Manatū Ahu Matua
We're passionate about growing prosperity in the sector while ensuring respect for Kaitiaki – guardianship of our natural resources.
Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua
- Annual Wellness payment
- Bi-annual paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses/frames
- Career development and internal opportunities across the branch and organisation
Low level Security Clearance
- most preferably a New Zealand citizen, who has resided continuously in New Zealand for at least the last five (5) years, OR
- is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last five (5) years: either Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom (UK) or the United States of America (USA); and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at this level.
- click here to find out more about the national security vetting process and access the eligibility self-check tool.
Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake? -
We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori.
We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatū Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.
In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.
To view the position description and/or apply online, please click “APPLY” or visit the MPI Careers Site. To apply, 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.
Applications close at 11.59pm Monday 26th January
If you have any questions about the role, please email george.mitrakas@mpi.govt.nz
Follow MPI here - Whāia ngā tūhononga ki MPI i konei
Links to Facebook, MPI Careers, LinkedIn, X