Senior Adviser Audit & Assurance x 2 Positions

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a senior role where your work will make a real difference.

You'll be delivering high-quality assurance services that support the directorate's vision to Assure, Advise, and Anticipate.

In this role, you'll ensure high quality audits alongside ad hoc reviews across MPI's wide-ranging business areas – from biosecurity and food safety to fisheries and forestry.

You'll design and carry out detailed work programmes, helping answer important questions like:

• How ready is MPI to prevent, detect, and respond to biosecurity incursions or adverse weather events?
• Do we have the right number of safe, fit-for-purpose vehicles?

 You'll enjoy the variety and scale of MPI's work, supporting New Zealand's food production and export industries.

 About You - Mōu

You're an experienced internal audit practitioner who enjoys helping the public sector improve how they work. You're confident working with senior leaders and can give clear, practical advice.

You'll bring strong skills in analysing risks, reviewing systems and processes, and delivering high-quality audits. You know how to ask the right questions, challenge thinking when needed, and build trusted relationships.

You preferably hold a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) qualification. Potentially you have are a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or Chartered Accountant (CA). Otherwise you come from an operations background and are wanting to learn how to audit.

You're someone who:

• Understands how to provide assurance on decision-making, behaviours, and risk controls.
• Can lead audits and reviews, from planning through to reporting.
• Gives smart, forward-thinking advice to help leaders manage risks and improve performance.
• Can spot issues before they become problems and help teams take action early.
• Works well with others, including external audit partners, to get the job done.
• Is flexible and ready to respond to changing needs across the Ministry.
• Always acts with integrity and keeps information private and secure.
• Supports a strong culture of health, safety, privacy, and security.

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

With a team of six, all Wellington based, you will enjoy the friendly nature of the team and lovely manager.

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 sustainable provider of high-value food and primary 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

Security checks - Ngā Taki Whakahaumaru

Low level Security Clearance

• most preferably a NZ citizen, who has resided continuously in NZ 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, NZ, 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 NZ 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.

If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.

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, whanau 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 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 5 June 2025

If you have any questions about the role, please email Sophie.Hallett@mpi.govt.nz