Chief executive Fiona Allen claimed the role would suit an aspirational leader who will be tasked with providing the best possible environment for New Zealand's Paralympic team in Japan.

"We are thrilled to call for applications for the Chef de Mission to lead the New Zealand Paralympic team," she said.  

"With the success of recent New Zealand Paralympic teams such as in Rio 2016 where New Zealand won 21 medals and placed first in the world for medals won per capita, this role is a great opportunity to continue to inspire success in the Paralympic Games environment. 

"This voluntary role is unique and the Chef de Mission will support the team to perform at the world's biggest event for disabled athletes."

The Chef de Mission will report directly to the PNZ Games campaign and sports manager and be be responsible for leading an "inspirational, performance-focused team" to the Paralympic Games, due to take place from August 25 to September 6 next year. 

The job advertisement reveals the appointed Chef de Mission will be responsible for ensuring an environment that will allow athletes, coaches and support staff to focus entirely on achieving their high performance goals. 

It adds: "You will be committed to making the Paralympic Games a positive experience, with a focus on optimum wellbeing and performance for all members of the New Zealand Paralympic team.

"PNZ will be responsible for the logistics of planning and preparation of the New Zealand Paralympic team requirements and leads the overall Tokyo 2020 campaign. 

"The Chef de Mission will be included in all aspects of team arrangements and decisions."

Former wheelchair racer Ben Lucas was the New Zealand Chef de Mission at Rio 2016, with Duane Kale taking on the role at Beijing 2008 and London 2012.

Ashley Light served as Chef de Mission at both the 2014 and 2018 Winter Paralympics in Sochi and Pyeongchang.