Researcher

• Do you have a passion for and of knowledge of international current affairs and human rights issues? A passion for finding information and discovering new sources of information?
• Use your significant research background to support decision making processes including refugee status determination.
• Flexible location, preferably based in Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch; Palmerston North and Hamilton also considered.
• 5 permanent full-time roles available - salary range $75,114k - $88,266k.

The role of Researcher in MBIE Intelligence and Country Research's (MICR) Country Research and Open-Source Intelligence (CROS) teams offer daily information challenges on wide-ranging topics.

MICR's research capability is primarily to provide Country of Origin Information (COI) research to help answer questions about the political, social, cultural, economic, and human rights issues in countries of origin in support of decision-making processes, including refugee status determination. Our researchers use a suite of online and hard-copy resources to answer research questions from INZ, MBIE and partner agencies. We are flexible in our work, providing a range of research support to customers. You will bring a deep understanding of research methodologies and technical research expertise.

The three main centres that MICR operates from are Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. We work hard to support each other and communicate effectively across locations.

At MICR, we believe in a 'one team' view, where all members contribute to the wide spectrum of our work as needed and when development opportunities arise. If you're ready to take your expertise to the next level and make a real impact in the world of research, we encourage you to apply for this exciting position today.

The Researcher will work in the Country Research and Open-Source Intelligence (CROS) workstreams, contributing across all of MICR. CROS is made up of 4 teams. The two Protection teams contribute to New Zealand's international obligations to support our refugee status determination process through the delivery of COI to MBIE and the Immigration Protection Tribunal (IPT). The Risk team provides open-source research responses to support decision makers across MBIE. The Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) team provides actionable open-source collections, support, and assessments across a range of MBIE thematic areas. We are a dedicated team of customer focused Researchers and Analysts, with a range of skills including expertise in online searching, development of sophisticated research strategies; information source assessment, clear and concise written communication; presentation and training.

We are looking for somebody who is:

• A critical and lateral thinker, ideally with a background in social sciences, humanities, information studies, or similar.
• A follower of world events and human rights issues who is interested in understanding and contributing to New Zealand's immigration system.
• A tech-savvy interrogator of online, publicly available and social media and information who understands broader geopolitical contexts.
• A service-minded individual who engages with our MBIE customers to understand and meet information needs.
• A careful and concise writer who can condense complex findings into well-crafted, plain English responses for a varied audience.
• A team player who enjoys working collaboratively.
• A confident communicator and engaging presenter.

Skills and Experience Required

We're really keen to hear from you if you have:

• Robust source evaluation skills, analytical thinking in relation to bias and verification of information gleaned from a variety of publicly available sources/online sources and social media research.
• High level of digital literacy and advanced technical expertise in online collection techniques. This includes the ability to formulate, adapt and execute complex online search strategies, and effectively searching proprietary databases.
• Ability to review large amounts of information and apply this to generate clear, concise written and oral communication.
• A commitment to quality, data ethics, information security and confidentiality.
• Service-minded individual with an excellent record of engaging with customers to understand and meet information needs.
• An open-minded and reflective practitioner with an excellent record of collaboration across a varied team environment.
• Analytical and lateral thinker with ability to quickly assimilate new information, practices, and tradecraft.
• An interest in human rights, international current affairs, and global security issues.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills for varied audiences, including developing and delivering presentations.
• Excellent time management skills and a relevant degree and post-graduate (NZQA approved) qualification.

The following may be an advantage:

• Previous experience with regulatory functions, intelligence practice, refugee law, New Zealand's international humanitarian obligations in refugee status determination.
• An understanding of research within the public sector, with experience handling sensitive or classified information and/or with COI research methodologies.
• Knowledge of or capability in any of the following languages: Arabic, Chinese (Traditional or Simplified), Farsi/Dari, Hindi, Kiribati, Malayalam, Punjabi, Samoan, Tamil, Tongan.
• Cultural familiarity or demonstrable competency in any country associated with the above languages is also a bonus, but not a requirement.

MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders.

We do this by working with others to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities and by working to ensure quality housing is more affordable.

People are at the heart of our mahi, our way of working is guided by our values which shape our behaviours.

• Mahi Tahi - Better Together
• Maia - Bold and brave
• Pae Kahurangi - Build our Future
• Pono Me Te Tika - Own It

Our aspirations are echoed in our Maori identity - Hikina Whakatutuki - which broadly means `lifting to make successful'.

MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Maori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Maori, other Maori groups/organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Maori and for wider Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to continuing to partner with iwi in order to find new sustainable solutions to address long standing systemic and cross-cutting issues facing Maori and wider Aotearoa New Zealand and we are also committed to identifying opportunities for iwi to lead and creating an enabling environment for iwi to leverage these opportunities.

E mohio ana a Hikina Whakatutuki i puea ake te kotuinga I waenganui i a ngai Maori me te Karauna i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, a, kei te whai ia ki te whakau ake i Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Ma te whai kiko o nga kotuinga ahungaroa o ngai wi, o ngai Maori, me etahi atu ropu Maori ki te Karauna, katutuki tenei. He ahuatanga nui tenei e ahei ai nga mahi whanaketanga a-ohanga, a-papori hoki ki a ngai Maori me Aotearoa whanui. E whai tonu ana matou ki te kotui atu ki nga iwi mo te rapu huarahi hou ki te whakaara i nga kaupapakua roa nei e tami ana i a ngai Maori me Aotearoa whanui, a, e whai ana hoki ki te tautohu i nga aheinga kokiritanga ma nga iwi, me te tautoko i nga iwi kia whai mana ake ai enei aheinga.

Click here to view a position description. All applications must be submitted via our online process and include a Cover Letter and CV outlining your interest and suitability for the role.

Please note you MUST be a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident to apply.

Email Jackie Johnson at Jackie.johnson@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/15640 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on 6th March 2025 at 11.59pm.