Counsellor (Science & Innovation) – Washington D.C.
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Tēnei tūranga – About the role
The Counsellor is a key overseas posting responsible for making an important contribution to advancing the internationalisation of New Zealand’s science, innovation and technology systems by supporting the implementation of key projects on the Science, Innovation and Technology and Space work programmes.
As part of the International Science Partnerships Team within MBIE, the Counsellor is responsible for developing connections with governments, science and policy organisations as well as businesses to advance opportunities for New Zealand’s science and innovation.
Ngā herenga – Requirements of the role
Personal specifications
- A higher tertiary qualification.
- Candidate must be a New Zealand citizen.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance.
- Candidate’s current role should be a minimum of principal policy advisor or equivalent. However, those at a more senior level are encouraged to apply.
- Strategic - Able to understand, define and communicate strategic direction and prioritise work accordingly, often in an ambiguous and busy work environment.
- Relationship builder – Adept at creating and maintaining strong senior relationships and networks.
- Confident – Confident approaching, talking with and presenting to senior individuals and stakeholders.
- Self-starter – Able to identify and pursue opportunities without significant support.
- Flexible – Willing to work flexibly at all operational and strategic levels. This role requires the successful candidate to undertake a high amount of travel in the USA and Canada, as well as frequent meetings and events outside regular working hours.
- Effective – Proven ability to turn relationships into results efficiently. This involves being able to deliver work often within short deadlines.
- Public speaking – Comfortable making speeches, speaking on panels and representing New Zealand at high-profile meetings and events.
- Government experience - Demonstrated in-depth understanding of policy development and the machinery of Government. Senior level experience is preferred, e.g. at Manager or Policy Director level.
- Sector knowledge – Strong understanding of, and significant experience working in, the New Zealand Science, Innovation and Technology and Space sectors. This includes an understanding of the New Zealand government policy for science and innovation and technology, and space.
- Diplomatic experience – Experience working internationally and/or with international partners, and able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of diplomacy.
- Culturally proficient - Demonstrated ability to operate professionally across different cultures.
Takohanga tuhinga o mua – Key accountabilities and deliverables
Key Responsibilities/Duties
- Help shape and then implement MBIE’s international science and innovation work programme for the USA and Canada.
- Lead in country on MBIE’s engagement with key US Science, Innovation and Technology and Space stakeholders. This includes government departments (Department of State), space agencies (NASA, CSA), regulators (FAA, FCC), science and technology entities (DARPA, NSF), and more.
- Support US and Canadian bilateral science and innovation arrangements in-line with MBIE’s international science, innovation and technology work programme.
- Represent the New Zealand Space Agency in the USA and Canada.
- Represent New Zealand at key events relating to science, innovation and technology and space.
- Implement other international science and innovation and space projects as required.
- Develop and maintain relationships that give New Zealand access to influential individuals and networks when Ministers and Senior Officials travel, and for the delivery of the Ministry’s international science, innovation and technology, and space work programmes.
- Plan and deliver incoming visits by senior officials and Ministers.
- Scan for policy developments in science and innovation that impact New Zealand’s interests and contribute New Zealand’s thinking on policy to international fora. Provide thought leadership back into MBIE on the relevance of these developments for domestic policy development.
- Profile with enthusiasm, credibility and drive to position New Zealand as an internationally recognised smart, innovative and collaborative nation.
Relationship Management
- Manage and influence relationships with Government, Science Policy Organisations, academia, businesses, and not-for-profits that result in sustainable, long-term relationships that support the objective of the work programme.
- Maintain and advance New Zealand’s connections with and credibility among North America’s science, innovation and technology, and space communities.
- Engage with and influence stakeholders in order to gain support for MBIE’s international science and innovation and space work programmes.
- Work with MFAT and other agencies with overseas representation to advance wider ‘NZ Inc’ objectives.
Wellbeing, health & safety
- Displays commitment through actively supporting all safety and wellbeing initiatives.
- Ensures own and others safety at all times.
- Complies with relevant safety and wellbeing policies, procedures, safe systems of work and event reporting.
- Reports all incidents/accidents, including near misses in a timely fashion.
- Is involved in health and safety through participation and consultation.
Tō tūranga i roto i te Manatū – Your place in the Ministry
The Counsellor position reports into the Manager International Science Partnerships within the Science and Space branch. The branch sits within the Labour Science and Enterprise group. This role also requires working closely with the Manager for Space Policy and Sector development.
To mātou aronga – What we do for Aotearoa New Zealand
Hīkina Whakatutuki is the te reo Māori name for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Hīkina means to uplift. Whakatutuki means to move forward, to make successful. Our name speaks to our purpose, Grow Aotearoa New Zealand for All.
To Grow Aotearoa New Zealand for All, we put people at the heart of our mahi. Based on the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi / The Treaty of Waitangi, we are committed to upholding authentic partnerships with Māori.
As agile public service leaders, we use our breadth and experience to navigate the ever-changing world. We are service providers, policy makers, investors and regulators. We engage with diverse communities, businesses and regions. Our work touches on the daily lives of New Zealanders. We grow opportunities (Puāwai), guard and protect (Kaihāpai) and innovate and navigate towards a better future (Auaha).
Ngā matatau – Our competencies
Cultivates innovation We create new and better ways for the organisation to be successful by challenging the status quo generating new and creative ideas and translating them into workable solutions.
Nimble learning We are curious and actively learn through experimentation when tackling new problems by learning as we go when facing new situations and challenges.
Customer focus We build strong customer relationships and deliver customer-centric solutions by listening and gaining insights into the needs of the communities we serve and actively seeking and responding to feedback.
Decision quality We make quality and timely decisions that shape the future for our communities and keep the organisation moving forward by relying on an appropriate mix of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgement to make valid and reliable decisions.
Action oriented We step up, taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with purpose, urgency and discipline by taking responsibility, ownership and action on challenges, and being accountable for the results.
Collaborates We connect, working together to build partnerships with our communities, working collaboratively to meet shared objectives by gaining trust and support of others; actively seeking the views, experiences, and opinions of others and by working co-operatively with others across MBIE, the public sector and external stakeholder groups.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi
As an agency of the public service, MBIE has a responsibility to contribute to the Crown meeting its obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Te Tiriti). Meeting our commitment to Te Tiriti will contribute towards us realising the overall aims of Te Ara Amiorangi – Our Path, Our Direction, and achieve the outcome of Growing New Zealand for All. The principles of Te Tiriti - including partnership, good faith, and active protection – are at the core of our work. MBIE is committed to delivering on our obligations as a Treaty partner with authenticity and integrity and to enable Māori interests. We are committed to ensuring that MBIE is well placed to meet our obligations under the Public Service Act 2020 (Te Ao Tūmatanui) to support the Crown in strengthening the Māori/Crown Relationship under the Treaty and to build MBIE’s capability, capacity and cultural intelligence to deliver this.
Mahi i roto i te Ratonga Tūmatanui – Working in the public service
Ka mahitahi mātou o te ratonga tūmatanui kia hei painga mō ngā tāngata o Aotearoa i āianei, ā, hei ngā rā ki tua hoki. He kawenga tino whaitake tā mātou hei tautoko i te Karauna i runga i āna hononga ki a ngāi Māori i raro i te Tiriti o Waitangi. Ka tautoko mātou i te kāwanatanga manapori. Ka whakakotahingia mātou e te wairua whakarato ki ō mātou hapori, ā, e arahina ana mātou e ngā mātāpono me ngā tikanga matua o te ratonga tūmatanui i roto i ā mātou mahi.
In the public service we work collectively to make a meaningful difference for New Zealanders now and in the future. We have an important role in supporting the Crown in its relationships with Māori under the Treaty of Waitangi. We support democratic government. We are unified by a spirit of service to our communities and guided by the core principles and values of the public service in our work.
What does it mean to work in Aotearoa New Zealand’s Public Service?(external link) — Te Kawa Mataaho The Public Service Commission
