Lead Adviser - Auckland

Expressions of Interest are open for the position of Lead Adviser / Deputy Director Auckland. This is a fixed term position, covering parental leave from July 2026 through to the end of August 2027.

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

MFAT’s Auckland Office works to build strong domestic connections across a wide range of Auckland stakeholders - including business, academia, Māori, civil society, and local government - to advance the Ministry’s strategic objectives.

The office focuses in particular on strengthening collaborative “Auckland Inc.” partnerships, ensuring MFAT policy development is informed by meaningful stakeholder engagement, and enhancing the Ministry’s visibility and reputation in Auckland. The office also plays a key role in disaster management and emergency response efforts.

The Lead Adviser is responsible for managing the Auckland Office’s engagement within an assigned regional portfolio, overseeing a member of the Administration team, and supporting the Director, including undertaking acting‑Director responsibilities when required. The Lead Adviser also leads strategic planning for the Auckland Office and coordinates emergency response planning and activities.

The starting salary for this role is $148,123 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution. 

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

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

Skills and knowledge:

• Ability to think strategically and contribute to group decision making
• Ability to build, maintain and leverage relationships with key internal and external contacts
• Excellent written and verbal skills
• Strong project management skills, planning and organising skills, and the ability to manage a work programme
• A strong understanding of the Machinery of Government and the Government decision making process
• Financial and business planning skills and knowledge desirable
• Strong qualitative and quantitative analytical skills
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues across the group and wider
• A high level of judgement and decision-making skills
• Understanding of The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti, Te Reo Māori and Māori customs and protocols would be beneficial

To view the full position description, please click here.

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.

Applications close at midnight Tuesday 17th March, 2026. If you have any issues applying, you may contact recruitment@mfat.govt.nz