Governance Director – Ag Emissions Centre

About the role

The Ag Emissions Centre is seeking a Governance Director to join its Governance Group. This part‑time, three‑year appointment will support the Centre’s mission to accelerate low‑emission farming solutions across New Zealand.

Key responsibilities

• Attend 6 governance meetings per year (1‑2 days per month), both in‑person and online.
• Provide strategic oversight of the Centre’s research portfolio, investment decisions and impact pathways.
• Challenge and refine portfolio management to ensure public value and return on investment.
• Engage with scientific teams to translate greenhouse‑gas mitigation research into practical farm solutions.
• Contribute insight on policy, AI, knowledge‑management and digital platforms used in research organisations.

Required profile

• Demonstrated governance experience or close work with boards, with a clear understanding of governance versus management.
• Senior leadership experience in marketing, communications or stakeholder engagement, preferably within science, research or the primary sector.
• Direct involvement in governance or management of research, innovation or development activities.
• Science‑literacy sufficient to discuss greenhouse‑gas mitigation research confidently.
• Motivation to support New Zealand’s climate and agricultural goals and empathy for farming communities.

Required skills

What we offer

• Remuneration of $1,400 per day, pro‑rated for meeting preparation and attendance.
• Opportunity to influence national low‑emission agriculture strategy.
• Collaboration with leading scientists, policymakers and industry stakeholders.