Animal Health Principal Advisor

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Purposeful technical leadership role in the primary sector

Be a trusted science 'go to' and voice for animal health

Collaborate strategically and make a positive difference for the industry's future

The Organisation
At the Animal and Plant Health Association of New Zealand (APHANZ), our vision is that healthy crops and healthy animals safeguard our sustainability. We're proud to represent New Zealand family businesses through to global investors who research, develop, manufacture, distribute, and sell innovative animal health and crop protection products. We act as a unified voice for our members, advocating for their interests with a solutions focus across government, regulatory authorities, and industry forums. Our purpose is to deliver value for members by providing innovative solutions. Solutions focused, proactive and collaborative is how we operate, in line with our values of trusted, respected, ambitious and energetic.

The Role
Please note that this is a permanent full-time role.
As a small and friendly team, we work closely to support each other and play to our strengths to deliver outcomes for our members.

The key purpose of this position is to provide technical leadership and oversight of our Animal health work programme, as the 'go to' animal health technical expert within the organisation.
Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will keep abreast of and be a sounding board for technical and policy issues both domestically and internationally to positively influence the industry. This includes providing proactive technical expertise, leading on policy submissions, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders and providing high quality strategic and operational work outputs.

Proactively building strong enduring relationships with our members, senior government officials and wider industry partners, is key to the success of the role. You will be required to undertake presentations and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the industry and how it operates. From time to time, you will be expected to be involved in other relevant issues and work such as supporting and co-ordinating responses to adverse events/emergency issues and business contingency planning.

You will make a difference by:

Using your strategic thinking, leadership and collaboration skills on animal health technical matters to contribute to the organisation's brand as a trusted, credible, science evidence-based source of advice on animal health issues.

Significantly influencing national policy, research, and wider matters of relevance to animal health.

Collaboration to ensure strong enduring relationships with our members, key government and partner organisations to deliver high quality science-based work and ensure that animal health members interests are represented for the long-term resilience of the sector.

Supporting and coordinating responses to adverse events/emergency issues and business contingency planning as required.

Supporting an emerging leader's cohort within our membership.

Work with the CEO, and other team members to agree annual goals and focused projects, and then develop and drive to completion agreed business plans and budgets for achieving those goals.

Skills & Experience
The successful candidate will have:

A relevant tertiary qualification in veterinary medicine or another relevant science field.

Experience in the animal health/veterinary industry is preferred.

Strong team player.

Proven track record of proactively building trusted, strategic long-term relationships, both internally and externally.

Strong understanding and proven track record of working with relevant legislation e.g. leading policy submissions, reforms, reviews, experience with Ministerial advice/cabinet papers.

Highly proficient written, presentation and communication skills, key messaging and report writing (e.g. board/ministerial reports).

Proficient in science evidence-based and empirical thinking as well as strategic application of technical knowledge and influencing skills.

Proven experience with stakeholder engagement.

Sound commercial acumen with understanding of agricultural economics.

The ability to be agile and work effectively in a varied role.

You will most likely have a background as an experienced Advisor with agricultural sector experience.

The team
We are a small, highly supportive and collaborative organisation. In addition to the technical skills listed, the person will be a good fit for the team and have strong alignment to our values - trusted, respected, ambitious and energetic. The successful candidate will have a proven track record as a strong team player, with self-initiative and a strong completer, driven to succeed and enjoys stakeholder engagement and contributing to team projects. Engaging with members and supporting the industry provides strategic opportunities for help others and the sector as a whole.

Benefits
The successful candidate will enjoy a competitive base salary, the benefits of a small, highly supportive work environment and a diverse and interesting range of work. You will work with a small and close-knit team, a great network of wider sector partners and we are an inclusive and accommodating employer.
Preference for this role is someone Wellington based, with location considered for the right candidate (the role will require regular time in Wellington). Some flexibility around work from home arrangements is negotiable for the right candidate. Occasional travel can also be expected with the role.


To be considered for this position you must be legally entitled to work in Aotearoa New Zealand.
If you are looking to make a difference and think you have what it takes, then don't delay, submit your CV and cover letter now!
Don't wait until the closing date to apply as we will be reviewing and progressing applications as we go.
Applications close at 5pm on Thursday 30 Jan 2025.

Your application will include the following questions:

Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in New Zealand?

What's your expected annual base salary?

How much notice are you required to give your current employer?

Are you willing to relocate for this role?

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