Lead Adviser Infrastructure at Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade, Wellington

The Ministry acts in the world to build a safer, more prosperous and more sustainable future for New Zealanders.

Kia hangai ake e te Manatu he ao-haumaru, ao-tonui, ao-pumau, ki te oranga tonutanga mo Aotearoa whanui.  

• Shape and influence new and existing aid investments in infrastructure sectors
• Provide sector leadership, leading a policy and delivery work programme
• This role will be very rewarding If you enjoy shaping a multi-million portfolio and deploying your technical expertise and political acumen to support those with less technical backgrounds to deliver successful infrastructure projects
• You will be expected to travel periodically, including to developing countries. 

An exciting opportunity to bring your infrastructure expertise to New Zealand’s aid investments in the Pacific and developing countries in South East Asia.

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

As a Lead Adviser, this is your opportunity to shape the design of, and drive the effective delivery of our aid investments in infrastructure sectors. It involves working with a broad range of Partner Governments in developing countries, other development partners and governments, suppliers, stakeholders and a range of MFAT divisions and teams. The role supports colleagues in MFAT with scoping, commissioning and managing infrastructure activities in the Pacific. 

You will be part of a wider Infrastructure, Energy and Transport team within the Pacific and Development Group. The team provides the sectoral and thematic expertise, analysis and advice needed to deliver high quality development cooperation. It is complex, fast-paced and involves engagement with multiple players across New Zealand and the Pacific.

You will lead a thematic sub-team providing high quality advice.  The main focus is on transport, water and sanitation and public buildings.  It is a varied portfolio that includes hospitals, education facilities, runways, wharfs, coastal protection, dam safety, recreation, tourism, and waste management. MFAT has invested in over 130 such activities during the last decade.

In some cases you may engage directly in some of the higher profile projects.

The appointment range for this role is min $137,210 - midpoint $161,424 – max $185,638, inclusive of employer contribution to Kiwisaver, negotiable depending on skills and experience

Please note:

This is not a Foreign Policy/diplomatic role.  This is a ‘Corporate’ role (known here as a Specialist role) based in central Wellington, NZ.  

While it is not usual for specialist staff to be ‘posted’ outside of NZ, from time to time a specialist role overseas becomes available at one of our embassies, high commissions, missions or consulates. To be considered for one of these positions you will need to apply and be considered via a competitive recruitment process.

Mā‎ wai te mahi nei? – Who are we looking for

We are looking for someone who is self-motivated, builds strong relationships, can develop and influence policy, and is interested in applying expertise and leadership in a cross-cultural context and in support of achieving international development outcomes.

You will be comfortable engaging with a large range of internal and external stakeholders, and representing the Ministry and New Zealand in your area of expertise

You will have

• strong technical expertise
• experience in planning and management of infrastructure projects. 
• experience in the areas of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) or building projects would be particularly beneficial
• a relevant qualification in Engineering or a related field

Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Aorere - Why MFAT?

We are committed to a focus on leadership, talent, training and development, and flexible work options.  Check out our benefits page to find out more about why we love working here.

We are also working to grow the diversity of our workforce and the inclusive nature of our workplace. Click on our diversity and inclusion page to find out more.

Mō mātou - About us

Our people represent New Zealand on and offshore, and in doing so make New Zealanders safer and more prosperous.  By building connections with and influencing other countries and international institutions, we advance New Zealand’s interests and pursue New Zealand's values.  We provide advice to the Government on the implications for New Zealand of what is happening in the world. 

Me pēhea te tuku tono - To Apply/Interested?

Apply today with your CV and cover letter.

For a copy of the position description please click HERE

For a confidential discussion please call/email Paul Alexander (Unit Manager, Infrastructure and Energy) on 021 243 0685 or paul.alexander@mfat.govt.nz

You must be a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident and able to obtain and maintain an appropriate NZ Government Security clearance.

Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a Confidential security clearance.
Please note that this tool is not part of the formal security clearance process:

http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool

Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 5 February 2023