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policy analyst

Fisheries management in New Zealand is going through a period of significant change as policy is both developed and implemented to improve the contribution of the fisheries sector to the environment and economy.

The Ministry is in the process of building capabilities so that it can effectively fulfil the government's role in the management of fisheries and can better respond to ministerial priorities.

In doing so it fosters a culture that is open, collaborative, supportive and which encourages development and the achievement of challenging goals.

The Ministry separates policy development, regulatory processes, and delivery functions and accountabilities. Within this design policy development is carried out by the new Policy and Treaty Strategy Team, regulatory and process co-ordination functions by the new Fisheries Planning and Co-ordination Team, and delivery of fisheries management services by the remainder of a new Fisheries Management Team.

The Fisheries Planning and Co-ordination Team will be responsible for managing and co-ordinating fisheries management operating processes and information systems.

The Scope

Analysts working as part of this team will include the following in their work:

• Planning and operating a risk management framework
• Setting guidelines for fisheries management advice 
• Monitoring and auditing those guidelines
• Development of information systems and requirements for fisheries management
• Serving as the business interface between the Fisheries Management Team and the rest of the Ministry
• Co-ordination of national fisheries management processes

Key functions and responsibilities

• participate in national fisheries management processes;
• management of the Ministry's regulatory programmes and co-ordinating advice to Ministers;
• develop fisheries management operational plans and priorities;
• develop guidelines for fisheries management advice and monitor and audit them;
• participate in the implementation of a risk management framework;
• develop & manage information systems to support fisheries management advice;
• contribute to Fisheries Management Forum as required;
• act as a business interface between Fisheries Management, Compliance, Science and Service Delivery;
• undertake Ministerial servicing including correspondence, Parliamentary Questions, speeches and OIA reports;

Key Attributes

Thinking Environment

• High degree of initiative in specialist work areas and strong self management skills to work independently, identify issues, develop options and recommendations, and carry issues through to their completion;
• Ability to identify issues from complex and interrelated information, and develop appropriate solutions;
• Be a quick and innovative thinker with the ability to quickly determine the key issues and problems in the operation of processes;

Specialised knowledge and skills

* Tertiary qualification preferably at Honours level or above, or an equivalent applied experience from a range of discipline areas including:

• marine ecology
• fisheries science
• natural resource management
• public policy
• evaluation and monitoring techniques 
• Competence in the use of office based computer technology;
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant statutory obligations or the ability to acquire such understanding quickly;
• Sound knowledge of sustainable resource management including an ability to provide advice on these issues within the context of wider public policy;

Remuneration

To be advised at the time of appointment on the basis of qualifications, experience and competencies.

Summary of Policy Analyst Skills

• a high degree of demonstrated analytical skills, with the ability to focus on the key issues affecting systems and processes;
• the demonstrated ability to exercise good judgement on how and when to progress issues;
• the ability to develop appropriate plans and processes in a timely manner;
• excellent written and oral communication skills;
• good facilitation skills with the ability to deal effectively with conflict;
• understanding of the machinery of Government and the New Zealand legislative system;
• knowledge of fisheries management in New Zealand or the ability to quickly pick up the same;
• knowledge and understanding of Maori culture and customs, and an appreciation and understanding of the Crown's obligations to Maori;
• ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams;
• proficiency in computer software applications relevant to area of expertise.
  
  Note: the information on this page does not relate to a specific vacancy at MFish. Each vacancy carries its own description and it should be read carefully before you decide to apply for a particular job.