Senior Adviser Talent Acquisition - Fixed Term 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.  

• Lead key recruitment initiatives that shape how MFAT attracts and selects talent
• Provide strategic and operational recruitment advice across a diverse organisation
• Wellington‑based, fixed-term opportunity through to end of July 2026

A senior role supporting MFAT to deliver effective, consistent, and candidate‑centred recruitment processes across the Ministry.

This opportunity is available through to the end of July, covering parental leave. A standard fixed‑term agreement or an inter‑agency secondment will be considered, subject to home agency approval.

About the role – Kōrero mō te tūranga

We’re looking for a skilled Senior Adviser Talent Acquisition to help guide MFAT’s recruitment approach and deliver high‑quality advice across a wide range of roles — from corporate and specialist positions through to foreign policy and technical roles onshore and offshore.

In this role, you’ll lead recruitment workstreams, contribute to the design and improvement of frameworks and tools, and support leaders to make informed, high‑quality hiring decisions. You’ll also play an important part in building innovative sourcing strategies and strengthening MFAT’s employment brand to attract a broad and diverse range of candidates.

Working collaboratively with teams across the People Division, you’ll help ensure recruitment practices are consistent, aligned with MFAT’s strategic priorities, and reflective of best practice. You’ll coach and support hiring managers, provide advice throughout the full recruitment lifecycle, and contribute to system and process improvements that enhance the overall candidate and hiring manager experience.

This role offers the opportunity to influence how MFAT recruits talent and to support continuous improvement across a globally distributed organisation.

To view the full position description, click here.

The appointing range for this role is between $106,973 to midpoint of $125,850 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution. Appointment within this range will depend on your level of experience.

Who we’re looking for – Mā wai te mahi nei?

We’re keen to hear from candidates who bring:

• Experience in recruitment or talent acquisition, either in‑house or through an agency
• Proven ability to translate strategy into practical recruitment processes and initiatives
• Strong capability in sourcing, candidate attraction, and outreach design
• Excellent communication skills and confidence advising across all levels of an organisation
• A customer‑centred, pragmatic approach to problem solving
• Ability to build trusted relationships and influence effectively
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• A collaborative working style, with experience contributing to wider people programmes
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Reo Māori, and Māori customs and protocols would be beneficial

The People Division has recently implemented a new structure to better align our work with future priorities. As part of this, several new opportunities have emerged for talented people to join us and help shape the next phase of our work.

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

We are committed to a focus on leadership, talent, training and development, and flexible work options consistent with guidance from the Public Service Commission.  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. 

About us - Mō mātou

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. 

To Apply/Interested? - Me pēhea te tuku tono

Apply today with your CV and cover letter.

To be considered for this position at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade you must be a NZ citizen, or Permanent Resident. 

You must be able to obtain and maintain a Confidential security clearance. Ordinarily, to obtain this level of clearance candidates must have sufficient checkable background in countries where meaningful and reliable checks can be undertaken. Where requisite checks are unable to be made, the candidate application may not be able to be progressed.

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

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

If you have questions about applying, you may email recruitment@mfat.govt.nz

Applications close at 9:00pm on Monday 9th February, 2026. 

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.