Consular Adviser 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.  

Consular Adviser

• Make use of your complex case management and people skills
• Make a real, personal difference to New Zealanders in distress
• Supportive team working together to help kiwis wherever they are in the world

Provide end to end case management and people skills for New Zealanders in difficulties around the world.

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role  

Joining our supportive team as a consular adviser is a unique opportunity to work closely with our colleagues at New Zealand’s overseas embassies to provide case management advice and support to New Zealanders overseas and their whanau in times of distress, including arrest and detention, death, accidents and illness, victims of crime, and family emergencies.

This is a varied role in which you will:

• Manage each case from end to end.
• Provide expert guidance, support and direction to staff providing consular services at New Zealand’s offshore offices.
• Help New Zealanders overseas who have been affected by major disasters and other events overseas – including terrorist events and natural disasters.

The full salary range for this role is $76,363 - $103,314, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution – depending on experience.

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

This role may be a good fit for you if you have a background in delivering client-based services (such as social work or a related profession).

Or perhaps you already have some consular case management experience in an overseas diplomatic or consular setting (New Zealand or another country).

Either way we will be looking for you to demonstrate the following skills and experience on your application:

• The ability to engage with New Zealanders and their whanau during times of distress and trauma
• Sound judgement and decision making skills
• Strong written and verbal skills
• The ability to work effectively in crisis situations

Please note that you must be available to participate in an after-hours duty roster to provide 24/7 advice and assistance (approximately 1 week every two months).

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. 

If you are just starting on this journey that’s OK too – as long as you have a willingness to learn and a desire to develop your cultural capability.  As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, this is important to us and we offer training and support. 

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.

To view the position description please click here.

For a confidential discussion please contact Nick Markwell.

You must be a New Zealand Citizen able to obtain and maintain a NZ Government National Security clearance.

Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a Secret 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 Wednesday, 18th September 2024.

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 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.