Senior Development Adviser - International Development 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 New Zealand’s global development impact

•  Lead programme design, delivery, and performance

•  Wellington-based opportunity

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in complex environments, builds strong relationships, and is passionate about delivering sustainable and inclusive outcomes across the Pacific and beyond.

About the role – Kōrero mō te tūranga

The Pacific and Development Group (PDG) has recently implemented a new structure to better align our work with future priorities.

As a result, several new opportunities have emerged for candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas: Health, Education, Climate and Environment, Portfolio Management, Economics, Governance, Private Sector Finance and Development, Digital Services, Tourism, Agriculture, Humanitarian and Disaster Management.

We have opportunities for both Fixed Term and Permanent employees.

Your knowledge in these sectors will help drive innovative strategies and deliver impactful development outcomes across our programmes.

• This is the ideal position for someone who thrives in complexity, builds strong relationships, and is passionate about delivering high quality development outcomes
• We are looking for Senior Advisers who can bring strategic insight, operational leadership, and a collaborative mindset to our team
• In this role, you’ll contribute to strategic investment planning, drive programme delivery, and influence development outcomes through high quality advice and management of complex development activities.
• You’ll work closely with Programme Managers, Advisers, design teams, suppliers, and Posts to ensure activities are well planned, well procured, and well delivered. This includes leading programme and activity management processes, strengthening performance frameworks, and ensuring all investments align with our strategic priorities and international good practice.

You will also play a key role in building capability across the organisation—mentoring junior staff, supporting continuous improvement, and contributing to a positive, inclusive team culture grounded in the Ministry’s values and our Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations.

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

• Experience providing high‑quality advice on international development issues, including sectoral or thematic areas
• Demonstrated technical experience in one of the following areas - Health, Education, Climate and Environment, Portfolio Management, Fisheries, Economics, Governance, Private Sector Finance and Development, Digital Services, Tourism, Humanitarian and Disaster Managements.
• Proven expertise in international development policy and programme design, including experience with strategic frameworks and investment planning
• Strong political awareness and an understanding of public service obligations and Te Tiriti o Waitangi considerations

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide high-quality policy advice on complex issues.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, including experience working with diverse partners across government, multilateral organisations, and NGOs.
• Leadership capability, including experience mentoring others and fostering collaboration in a team environment.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to influence and advocate effectively.

• Experience representing organisations in international forums or negotiations (desirable but not essential)

The salary range for this role is $127,417 to midpoint $149,902 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution. Appointment within the salary band will depend on your level of demonstrated skills and experience. 

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.

For more detail you can request a copy of the position description by emailing PDGRecruitment@mfat.govt.nz

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.

Applications close at midnight on Tuesday, 10 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.