Don Syme
Environmental Policy Specialist
Summary
Creative, strategic, collaborative, energetic and focused policy professional with over 15 years of experience in operational, strategic and international policy roles in New Zealand and offshore.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages
Work History
Counsellor Primary Industries
Ministry Of Foreign Affairs And Trade
Rome, Italy
05.2018 - Current
- New Zealand's representative to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization responsible for strategic policy engagement across FAO's work programmes as co-Chair for the South West Pacific region in Rome.
- Highly active member of multiple FAO technical committees and steering groups, with extensive Chairing and moderating experience and a reputation for integrity, professionalism and a highly collaborative approach.
- Active New Zealand representative to the OECD, including as Chair of the Fisheries Committee.
- Representative of the Global Research Alliance in Europe promoting collaboration for mutual benefit.
Manager International Fisheries Management
Ministry For Primary Industries
Wellington , New Zealand
06.2016 - 05.2018
- Demonstrated strong leadership, people management and organizational skills as manager of a team responsible for New Zealand's engagement in multilateral and regional fisheries fora and capacity development work in the Pacific islands, including working closely with New Zealand's Aid programme.
Senior Policy Analyst - International Policy
Ministry For Primary Industries
Wellington, New Zealand
07.2013 - 05.2016
- Identified, evaluated and developed solutions to address complex technical policy issues.
- Demonstrated an ability to understand and work positively with a range of cultures in the context of New Zealand's involvement in regional fisheries management organizations.
- Showed strong leadership, diplomatic and negotiation skills as New Zealand's head of delegation to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission.
- Managed a Pacific Islands capacity development programme as the aid programme manager working collaboratively with Pacific Island countries, Pacific regional bodies, and other capacity development providers, including the FAO.
Senior Policy Analyst - Fisheries and Aquaculture
Ministry For Primary Industries
Wellington, New Zealand
07.2011 - 07.2013
- Member of Governance Steering Group for major joint venture partnership with the Private Sector, with responsibilities for monitoring programme performance, reviewing expenditure and recommending contract and Business Plan variations.
- MPI policy lead for major legislative reform programme for the management of foreign charter vessels, involving complex policy analysis, consultation across government, engagement with select committees and Ministers.
Policy Analyst - Aquaculture Reforms Team
Ministry Of Fisheries
Wellington , New Zealand
10.2010 - 06.2011
- Member of policy team undertaking a major review and legislative reform programme for the aquaculture sector.
- Identified, evaluated and developed solutions to remove roadblocks to change.
- Recommended updates to current legislation, regulations and policies.
Private Secretary to Minister of Fisheries
Ministry Of Fisheries
Wellington, New Zealand
11.2008 - 10.2010
- Ministry of Fisheries representative in the Office of the Minister of Fisheries.
- Actively listened to input of the Minister and Ministry, handled concerns quickly, provided policy and technical advice, ensured quality control of briefings to the Minister and escalated issues when necessary.
- Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills and communicated deadlines to ensure briefings were completed on time and to the Ministers preferences.
- Showed speed and accuracy under significant time pressure to maintain quality standards.
- Developed and implemented process improvement strategies and plans to promote continuous improvement.
Education
Masters of Environmental Policy -
Lincoln University
Canterbury New Zealand 01.2004 - 12.2005
Bachelor of Resource Studies -
Lincoln University
Canterbury New Zealand 01.1995 - 12.1997
Skills
Interpersonal
undefinedTimeline
Counsellor Primary Industries
Ministry Of Foreign Affairs And Trade
05.2018 - Current
Manager International Fisheries Management
Ministry For Primary Industries
06.2016 - 05.2018
Senior Policy Analyst - International Policy
Ministry For Primary Industries
07.2013 - 05.2016
Senior Policy Analyst - Fisheries and Aquaculture
Ministry For Primary Industries
07.2011 - 07.2013
Policy Analyst - Aquaculture Reforms Team
Ministry Of Fisheries
10.2010 - 06.2011
Private Secretary to Minister of Fisheries
Ministry Of Fisheries
11.2008 - 10.2010
Masters of Environmental Policy -
Lincoln University
01.2004 - 12.2005
Bachelor of Resource Studies -
Lincoln University
01.1995 - 12.1997
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