Strategic Advisor, Engagement

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Strategic Advisor, Engagement to join our Marketing, Communications and Engagement team. This is a full time, 6- month contract position based in Wellington. 
 
Ko wai mātou - About OSPRI 

OSPRI is an integrated national disease management agency and a proud part of New Zealand’s agricultural sector. We play an important part in protecting New Zealand’s biosecurity system. OSPRI currently manages three major national programmes: TBfree (directed at the eradication of bovine tuberculosis), M.bovis (OSPRI manages the Mycoplasma bovis programme under a government industry agreement) and NAIT (National Animal Identification and Tracing System).  
 
Our People Strategy vision is to have the most talented people doing their best work, feeling great about being a part of OSPRI.  We offer a great employee experience which aims to attract the best talent, builds the capability of our people, rewards and recognises them for their successes and gives them a strong sense of belonging. 
 
Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role:

Working closely with the Project Sponsor, the Strategic Advisor, Engagement will play a significant role in supporting OSPRI’s NAIT Replacement project, leading engagement with critical stakeholders to ensure they are well-informed and consulted on key components of the project. As the Strategic Advisor, Engagement you will be responsible developing and executing a strategic engagement plan, translating technical information into plain language and tailoring communications to reflect the specific needs and interests of different stakeholder groups.  
 
You will also develop a clear roadmap outlining key milestones for the project, ensuring stakeholders understand the timeline, key activities taking place at each point of the process, expected outputs and opportunities for them to provide input. 
 
Kōrero mōu - About you: 

We are seeking a highly skilled communications expert who has a collaborative working style and is a team player. Ideally, you will have experience in running engagement projects for Technology teams, are results-driven, excel in stakeholder management and are confident in building and maintaining trust quickly.   

Your high level of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail will guide you to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines. You will also be adept at managing ambiguity, adapting to changing directions, and have a collaborative mindset.   

In addition, the successful candidate will have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• Extensive experience (7+ years) in corporate communications, public relations, or a related field, with a strong track record of developing and executing strategic communications plans.
• Experience in leading, project-management and delivering business plans or improvement initiatives, media campaigns and proactive storytelling initiatives.
• Must hold an IAP2 or equivalent certification.
• Demonstrated experience managing the Official Information Act (OIA) and Ministerial functions, including a solid understanding of New Zealand’s OIA legislation and regulatory environment
• Exceptional writer with an eye for detail, aptitude for political nuance, and ability to translate technical language into plain English.
• Preferably a sound understanding of Te Ao Māori as well as tikanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles. 

Me pēhea te tono - How to apply:

To apply, please follow the steps below and include your cover letter and CV. Applications close at 4 pm Friday, 21 February 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.