Kaiwhakahaere Mātanga Rangahau | Head of Expert Advice
Are you passionate about scientific evidence being central to decisions about New Zealand’s future?
Are you motivated to counter misinformation, and ensure that our communities have access to relevant, timely and accessible facts?
The Royal Society Te Apārangi is looking for a skilled programme manager to provide expert advice to government, other decision-makers and communities through the delivery of timely, relevant and accessible evidence-based reports.
You'll have experience in scoping and delivering peer-reviewed research-derived reports to inform national conversations and decisions about topics that really matter to New Zealanders.
Through your work, you will help the Society promote public understanding of and trust in science and research, and counter misinformation.
Pūtake tūranga | What you will do
In this broad and dynamic role, you will:
- Lead engagement with senior leaders, governors and expert advisors on the expert advice work programme.
- Ensure that the Society’s planned programme of expert advice does not duplicate wider national reporting efforts, and is timed to complement reports led by others.
- Review and refresh the Society’s Expert Advice and Practice Framework that sets out the principles and criteria for reporting.
- Work with others to identify priority topics for report development.
- Scope, plan, project manage and lead the delivery of research-based reports.
- From time to time, lead on the writing and delivery of specific reporting products.
- Appropriately use digital tools and technology to support the production of timely, accurate, defensible and trustworthy reports.
- Oversee contract management, risk management and peer review processes.
- Oversee editing, proofreading and formatting processes.
- Monitor and communicate progress in the delivery of planned reports and facilitate their publication and dissemination.
- Identify relevant international guidelines for research practice that are appropriate to promote or adapt for use in New Zealand.
Ngā pukēnga me te wheako | What you will bring
Essential skills and experience:
- At least 5 years' experience in a similar role producing independent, peer reviewed, evidence-based synthesis reports.
- Demonstrated expertise in research-based report-writing, programme management, project leadership and science communication.
- Exceptional writing skills, with the ability to produce clear, engaging content across a range of formats and for diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated experience in using digital tools to ensure the timeliness, accuracy and trustworthiness of reporting products.
- Experience working with and reporting to leading experts, senior leaders and boards.
- A commitment to work in alignment with the principles, spirit, and intent of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
- Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgement in escalating any issues when necessary.
- A collaborative working style and ability to engage positively with stakeholders at all levels and contribute to a positive team culture.
Desirable skills and experience:
- A tertiary qualification in research, science communication or a related field.
- Experience in using Artificial Intelligence-based tools appropriately and ethically to support the development of statistical reports or research reports.
- Confidence communicating science or other specialist knowledge to the general public.
- Proficiency in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga.
Te Mahi | Job Description
This is a full-time permanent position based in Thorndon, Wellington. We are open to considering part-time roles (e.g. 0.9 FTE) for the right candidate. The role is primarily office-based but the Society supports flexible working arrangements. The role reports to the Director of Expert Advice and Publishing.
The current midpoint of the salary range is $139,450 which is reviewed and adjusted annually in line with movements of the Stats NZ Labour Cost Index. The full salary range is 85-115% of the midpoint, with starting salary up to the midpoint, depending on skills and experience.
View full position description.
Mō Te Apārangi | About Us
The Royal Society Te Apārangi is an independent not-for-profit organisation with a vision for Aotearoa New Zealand to be guided and inspired by science and research. The Society grows pathways of knowledge to enable science and research to be shared for the benefit of all.
Whakaurua | Apply
Please submit a CV and covering letter (no more than 4 pages combined) to hr@royalsociety.org.nz by midday Friday 26 June 2026.
You must be a New Zealand citizen or resident currently eligible to work in New Zealand.
He pātai – questions?
We welcome enquiries from interested candidates. For more information or to arrange a confidential conversation with the Director, Expert Advice and Publishing, please contact hr@royalsociety.org.nz.