Development Adviser - International Development

• Multiple opportunities for Development Advisers
• Help shape New Zealand’s development impact
• Wellington based positions  

Contribute to meaningful change, represent New Zealand internationally, and collaborate with partners to deliver impact where it counts.

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 part of this, 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, Humanitarian and Disaster Management.

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

As a Development Adviser, you will play a key role in shaping New Zealand’s international development efforts.

We have opportunities for both Fixed Term and Permanent employees.

You will:

• Support the development of high-quality policy advice on international development issues, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities
• Design and support implementation of development programmes using recognised frameworks and tools.
• Monitor programme performance, budgets, and risks, and contribute to procurement and business case development
• Apply evidence-based approaches through monitoring, evaluation, research to strengthen policy and programming
• Integrate safeguarding, inclusion, climate resilience, and sustainability principles into all advice and planning
• Represent MFAT in international forums, policy discussions, and delegations, advocating for New Zealand’s development interests
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders to enable effective collaboration
• Prepare clear, accurate ministerial briefings and responses to support informed decision-making
• Contribute to team learning, knowledge sharing, and a positive, inclusive workplace culture
• Ensure all advice and actions reflect Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations and uphold the values of the New Zealand Public Service

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

We’d like to hear from you if you are an experienced Adviser with the following skills and experience:

• Ability to develop and support policy advice on international development issues, including sectoral and thematic areas
• Understanding of policy design, implementation, and evaluation, with an understanding of programme planning tools such as theories of change and results-based management
• Awareness of political context and ability to provide advice that reflects public service responsibilities and Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations
• Relationship-building skills to foster collaboration across teams and engage with diverse stakeholders professionally
• Commitment to safeguarding and inclusion principles, and ability to integrate climate resilience and environmental sustainability into advice and planning
• Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to prepare high-quality ministerial briefings and represent New Zealand in international engagements
• Understanding of the Ministry’s strategic priorities and a willingness to contribute to a positive, inclusive team culture

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

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.