Senior Advisor, Communications and Engagement

Ko wai mātou - About OSPRI

OSPRI is the livestock sector's integrated disease management and traceability agency and a critical part of New Zealand's agribusiness and food economy. OSPRI currently manages two disease management programmes; pursuing the eradication of both TBfree and M.bovis in New Zealand.  We're also the agency providing the primary sector with NAIT (National Animal Identification and Tracing System) for the reporting of information about livestock and their movement. 

At OSPRI, our values guide everything we do. We're purpose led in our vision, powered by people who are passionate and exceptional at what they do, and stronger together through partnerships and collaboration. Most importantly, we deliver by thinking ahead, adapting and preparing for tomorrows challenges and opportunities to ensure we deliver real results. On farms, in communities, and across the country.  

Kōrero mōu - About you

We're looking for a Senior Advisor to join our Marketing, Engagement and Communications team for 12 months. This role offers an opportunity to dedicate yourself solely to the Traceability portfolio, where you'll be instrumental in providing engagement and communications support for activities driven by our national operating plan – including the development of the NAIT platform replacement.

Working closely with our Head of Traceability, you'll lead the development and delivery of strategic communications and engagement plans, including a partnership model that ensures stakeholder voices are heard and considered. This work is essential to building trust, driving participation, and securing long-term success in our work.

We're looking for someone proven in their craft, with project or programme delivery experience, and able to see and adopt an enterprise view.  You will be able to take complex information and turn it into clear messages that connect with farmers, rural professionals and industry groups. Someone who will bring their expertise and initiative to shape communication and engagement strategy - and then bring it to life.  You will be able to build trust quickly, collaborate well, and stay connected with a team varied in their roles.

This role is ideal for someone who has an appreciation for New Zealand's agricultural sector. Someone motivated by meaningful work, who enjoys connecting with people, and wants to help shape the future of traceability and biosecurity in farming.

In addition, the successful candidate will have:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Marketing or Communications

• Proven experience in communications within programme or project environments

• Strong understanding of change management and programme delivery

• Experience developing strategic engagement plans and collateral

• Certified and experienced in IAP2 engagement planning

• Excellent writing skills and ability to tailor content for diverse audiences

• Familiarity with digital engagement tools and CMS (e.g. SilverStripe)

• Background in agriculture or traceability sectors is a bonus

In return, we offer:

• A supportive and energetic team

• Interesting and exciting work

• OSPRI days – paid days of leave between Christmas and New Year

• Flexible working options

• Ability to purchase additional annual leave

• Eye care allowance

• Volunteer Day

• Wellbeing Leave

Me pēhea te tono - How to apply:

To apply, please click 'Apply for this role' and include your cover letter and CV. Applications close at 4 pm on 18 November 2025.

Please note: Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory and this role requires a Ministry of Justice criminal history check and pre-employment drug and alcohol testing.

OSPRI supports a workplace of diversity, equity, and inclusion where our people feel welcomed, valued, and supported to do their best work. If you need specific support or accessibility adjustments to enable you to take part in this application process, please don't hesitate to contact us.