Senior Adviser- Pacific at Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade, Auckland - Auckland;Auckland

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.  

Senior Adviser – Pacific

• Auckland based. Not suitable for remote work.
• Work with Pacific stakeholders.
• Secondment from other New Zealand government agencies will be considered.

This exciting role will see you working  to enhance MFAT’s relationships with Pacific stakeholders and Pasifika constituencies across Aotearoa.

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role  

As Senior Adviser – Pacific within the Pacific Connections team, you will play a transformational role building collaborative partnerships for the Ministry with key stakeholders . The role contributes significantly to shaping Aotearoa New Zealand’s contribution to Pacific resilience and the livelihood of Pacific families and communities, helping to deliver International Development Cooperation and policy initiatives related to domestic and foreign policy intersect.  The work is fast moving, high profile and evolving.  You will work across the Ministry and with multiple government agencies, Pacific communities, Civil Society, Academia and Businesses where there is a Pacific link.

Work in this area includes:

• Working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to develop strategies and practices to lift engagement with Pacific related constituencies on the Ministry’s Pacific and Development work, and develop constructive relationships of influence with decisions-makers, thinkers and influencers
• Developing and leading work programmes identifying opportunities for MFAT to support Pacific related IDC programme investment and policy engagement
• Leading the planning and implementation of the annual ‘Pacific Update’ outreach programme.
• Ensuring Pacific priorities and interests are understood by relevant New Zealand government agencies and domestic stakeholders.
• Providing advice to Ministers and MFAT senior management on Pacific-Auckland/Aotearoa related issues
• Contributing useful input into visits and other external events that have an Auckland/Aotearoa focus, including programmes for visiting HOMs and visiting Pacific VIPs.

The Senior Adviser- Pacific, will play a unique role in New Zealand’s Development and policy initiatives to enable the Ministry to engage authentically and become better informed on Pacific Peoples and Pacific countries. 

• Stragetically lead on and provide definition and delivery of the Ministry’s engagement with Pacific diaspora and communities to make a real difference for Pacific families and communities.

For more detail you can view a copy of the position description here

The full salary range for this role is  $121,043- $142,403 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution.

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

We’d like to hear from you if you can demonstrate the following skills and experience:

• understanding of the key challenges facing developing countries and the role that effective development assistance plays in supporting priority issues for the Pacific.  
• excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• demonstrated coaching and mentoring skills.

Ideally you will also have a good understanding of tikanga (Māori customs and protocols), with the ability to weave te ao Māori (the Māori worldview) into your work. 

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.

MFAT is Rainbow Tick accredited. We value diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive culture where everyone feels supported, valued, and a sense of belonging.  We welcome applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds. 

You can find out more about our staff networks and our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here

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 confidential discussion please call/email Felicity Bollen on felicity.bollen@mfat.govt.nz +64 27232 3261

To be considered for this position you must be a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident and able to obtain and maintain a NZ Government National 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

Let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Applications close at Sunday 1st October 2023.

Please note: This is not a Foreign Policy/diplomatic role.  This is a ‘Corporate’ role (known here as a Specialist role) based in Auckland, New Zealand.  

While it is not usual for specialist staff to be ‘posted’ outside of New Zealand, 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 would need to apply and be considered via a competitive recruitment process.

If you do have an interest in an MFAT foreign policy/diplomatic career, you would be welcome to apply for this either via our graduate recruitment or mid-level foreign policy recruitment campaigns.