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.

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

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 whānau 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 appointing range for this role is expected to be between $78,043 and $91,815, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution – depending on experience.

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

• 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

• Understanding of The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti, Te Reo Māori and Māori customs and protocols would be beneficial.   

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). 

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 view the position description please click here.

If you have any questions about applying, please contact [email protected]

You must be a New Zealand Citizen and be 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 Sunday 8 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.