Kaitohutohu Mātanga Pūtaiao Matua ki te Pirimia | The Office of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor (PMCSA) 

We are an independent unit hosted and supported by the University of Auckland, that advises the Prime Minister to enable scientific evidence to inform good decision making in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity 

We are currently seeking a talented and enthusiastic Research Analyst and Writer who will support the PMCSA as an analyst and writer; provide web content and operational support, and assist in the provision of advice, reviews, and written material to meet the needs of the Prime Minister.

You will need to be adept at synthesising scientific evidence to inform policy, and presenting information in an accessible style, across a variety of formats, for a variety of audiences.

If you are a highly motivated individual, keen to use your science knowledge and communication skills to make a difference to Aotearoa New Zealand, this position could be for you. We are also open to secondment arrangements with other governmental entities.

We are open to hiring applications with different levels of experience which means that we could hire you as a Senior Research and Policy Analyst, or a Research Analyst and Writer. We will discuss which level best suits your experience at interview stage. To help us with our decision making, please include a recent writing sample with your application.

This role is a full-time, fixed-term position due to run until the 30th of June 2024.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description

Mō tō māou rōpū | About the team 

The Office has a small team and advises on a very wide range of topics. We act as a trusted, independent, inclusive, accessible, bridge between science, society, and government, and we want your skills to contribute to that vision.

Although, the University is a large organisation, the actual PMCSA team consists of around 8 people, and the culture reflects this lean structure. We are often working to external deadlines given to us with short notice, so you will need to be comfortable in a role that requires swift communication and action, and a willingness to go the extra mile if required.

We have a highly collaborative workplace which runs on a more traditional model of work location, with the majority of the staff in the office 4 days a week, and Fridays being more of a flexible work-from-home day if there are no meetings that need to be attended in person.

We are based on Short Street in the CBD, so this would be an ideal position for someone who is happy to use public transport. We do have discounted parking available for those who are looking to drive.

For more information on who we are and what we do, please visit our website

He kōrero mōu | About you

Our ideal candidate will have a breadth of knowledge, an open mind, and an appetite to learn new disciplines and ways of thinking. You will need to be an efficient writer and reader who can assimilate complex concepts and condense these into relevant and readable reports and recommendations.

To be a good fit for this position you will be resilient and able to work under pressure, able to go the extra mile when workloads spike and highly adaptable to constantly changing priorities. A sense of humour will be a great advantage.

Nga Pūkenga Motuhake | Important Skills 

• Experience, background and interest in scientific disciplines complementary to those in the team is an advantage, and a relevant postgraduate degree is essential (or equivalent combination of postgraduate studies and experience).
• Composed and able to work efficiently and effectively under pressure, comfortable interacting with a wide range of stakeholders, and respond well to challenges and challenging stakeholders.
• Committed to the efforts of the Office to respect Te Tiriti o Waitangi and promote inclusion, diversity and transparency.
• Enjoy meeting tight deadlines on occasion, able to work with minimal supervision, and a good team player.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

We are proud of providing an environment that enables your natural abilities and rewards your hard work. We offer benefits and support throughout your career that allows you to develop and grow.

We are committed to providing a supportive working environment through:

• A competitive salary with 5 weeks annual leave. With the option to buy and sell additional leave
• A 37.5 hour work week (for professional staff)
• A generous parental leave policy
• An established internal mobility programme (Internal First) which offers our staff real options to change their career and try out new ways of working

In addition, we offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, on-site childcare options, leisure and recreation facilities, and a number of other discounted products and services. 

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of Sunday the 12th of March 2023, to be considered. 

Please include your cover letter and/or CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above. Please also include a recent writing sample such as a report, paper or another form of technical writing with your application.

Please reach out to Neil Constable via [email protected] for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQITakatāpui+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other equity issues go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz