Senior Advisor

Senior Adviser - Place of First Arrival (PoFA)

Role type:

Fixed Term - 8 March 2027

Location: Auckland Airport and MPI Centre

Salary band & range:  GSR Band D - $100,934 to $118,005 depending on skills and experience

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

This role plays a pivotal part in strengthening biosecurity at New Zealand's Places of First Arrival (PoFA). It leads efforts to improve performance, consistency, and compliance across the country, with a particular focus on supporting Auckland Airport's expansion. Working across three directorates, the role tackles complex operational challenges and helps shape future frameworks that safeguard our borders.

Success in this role relies on strong collaboration across MPI, border agencies, and site teams, ensuring biosecurity standards are met while enabling safe and effective operations.

• Leading the uplift of PoFA performance and supporting operators to meet biosecurity standards.
• Guiding operators through approval processes, updating manuals, and managing Biosecurity Control Area agreements.
• Supporting Auckland Airport's expansion by aligning biosecurity and operational needs.
• Triaging non-conformance reports, responding to PoFA enquiries, and leading internal workstreams.
• Driving cross-agency collaboration to improve national consistency and inform future standards.

About You - Mōu

To be successful in this role, you will:

• Have a background in regulatory or operational government environments will be valuable.
• Confidence working across complex systems and navigating multiple stakeholder needs is essential.
• Demonstrate end-to-end project management and execution.
• Strong relationship and communication skills, with a focus on practical delivery, are key to success.
• A relevant tertiary qualification (Environmental, Biology etc,) or equivalent experience is required.
• Comfort working independently and managing competing priorities is important.

You do not need to meet all of the role requirements to apply. We offer a breadth of development and learning opportunities and will welcome an application if you think you could make a great fit.

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

The team consists of five members, split between Auckland and Wellington, each managing their own portfolio.

This role is based in Auckland and works closely with advisers, managers, and border clearance teams.

The team is focused on solving real-world problems in a challenging but rewarding environment.

Travel includes one overnight trip every two months and occasional day trips after Auckland has been fully looked after.

The team contributes directly to shaping national PoFA standards and biosecurity outcomes.

Support for career development and flexible working is embedded in the team culture.

Diversity and inclusion are valued, and contributions from all backgrounds are welcomed.

About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) partners with New Zealand's food and fibre sector to be the world's most trusted provider of high-value food and fibre products.

Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua

• Additional MPI leave days
• Ability to purchase extra annual leave
• Annual Wellness payment

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 FOR THIS JOB" 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 on 25th of November 2025.

If you have any questions about the role, please email

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