Pacific Visits Officer - One year fixed term contract

• Work with Pacific stakeholders.
• One-year fixed term contract
• Auckland based. Not suitable for remote work.

Be at the heart of Pacific engagement and New Zealand’s effort to build stronger partnerships with Pacific leaders!

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga    

The role Pacific Visits Officer sits within the Pacific Connections Unit in the Pacific Regional Division (PACREG).  This is an Auckland-based role. 

As Pacific Visits Officer you will play a critical role in advancing Aotearoa New Zealand’s foreign policy and development objectives by strengthening partnerships with Pacific stakeholders through the delivery of MFAT’s Pacific facilitation function. This role contributes to deepening enduring and respectful relationships across the region by ensuring Pacific dignitaries, Guests of Government, and senior officials experience a high standard of engagement, care, and cultural understanding reflecting New Zealand’s commitment to partnership, manaakitanga, regional cooperation and adherence to diplomatic protocol at all times.

A key focus of this role is coordinating and supporting VIP facilitation for Pacific Guests of Government, including Heads of State, senior government officials, and their delegations transiting through Auckland International Airport. The role requires strong working relationships within the Ministry and with the Visits and Ceremonial Office.

Work in this area includes:

• Acting as a liaison between MFAT, the Visits and Ceremonial Office (VCO), Pacific High Commission and external agencies to ensure seamless delivery of visits and facilitation services.
• Maintaining strong and timely communication with MFAT teams, diplomatic missions, VCO, and external partners.
• Supporting facilitation of international and domestic arrivals, departures, and transits at Auckland Airport for Pacific dignitaries when VCO are unable to provide resources.
• Working flexibly in a 24/7 rostered environment, demonstrating cultural competency, professionalism, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced and high-profile setting.
• Contribute to the Pacific Connections team’s delivery of its annual business plan outputs.

You are required to have a current NZ drivers’ licence. 

For more detail you can view a copy of the position description here. 

The salary range for this role is $89,601 to midpoint $105,412 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution. We expect to appoint depending on your level of experience.  

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

We’d like to hear from you if you can demonstrate the following skills and experience:

• Strong engagement background across all social strata working with Pacific and with Pacific partners (Government, Communities, Faith-based, Academics, etc).
• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to work successfully in teams and with a diverse range of people internally and externally – with a minimum 5 years working on Pacific related issues.
• Previous experience in aviation, airport employ, or official/VIP facilitation is an advantage.
• Adaptability and flexibility to handle changing priorities and environments.
• Excellent travel logistics management skills and good with Excel skills.
• Demonstrated strong Pacific cultural competencies.  
• Well-developed project management skills, planning, organising, facilitation skills and the ability to manage a work programme.
• 24/7 operational environment – work including nights, weekends, and public holidays.
• Understanding of the machinery of government and the Government decision making process.
• Understanding of The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti, Te Reo Māori and Māori customs and protocols would be beneficial.   

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.  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 a confidential discussion please call/email Felicity Bollen on felicity.bollen@mfat.govt.nz +64 27232 3261

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

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 on Monday, 26 January 2026.

Please note: This is a FIXED TERM ROLE initially for 12 months and is not a Foreign Policy/diplomatic role.  This is a ‘Corporate’ role (known here as a Specialist role) based in Auckland, New Zealand.  

While it is not usual for specialist staff to be ‘posted’ outside of New Zealand, 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.