Commercial Adviser

• Work across a diverse portfolio including infrastructure, ICT services, technical advisory and operational procurement
• Support MFAT’s operations globally including the International Development Cooperation Programme (NZ Aid Programme)
• Deliver practical and innovative commercial advice that makes a real difference
• Join a collaborative, mission-driven team with excellent team culture
• Wellington based - permanent full time

The Commercial Division at MFAT are looking for a motivated, curious, and customer focussed person to join our passionate team. If you’re keen to make an impact, support MFAT’s operations, serve the communities we work with, and bring a collaborative and learning‑oriented mindset, this could be the role for you.

About the role  - Kōrero mō te tūranga

The Commercial Division provides flexible procurement services to support the Ministry's strategic goals, the International Development Cooperation Programme and service improvement initiatives. We focus on delivering great outcomes through collaborative approaches and establishing strong business relationships.

As a Commercial Adviser, you will leverage strong relationship management skills and commercial acumen to act as a trusted adviser, delivering high‑quality commercial and procurement advice across a diverse portfolio that includes infrastructure‑related initiatives and broader MFAT work programmes.

What you’ll do:

• Provide commercial and procurement advice across a range of activities
• Provide analysis, benchmarking and due diligence to support a range of commercial transactions
• Support MFAT staff engaging with suppliers, partners, and domestic and international stakeholders
• Contribute to continuous improvement of commercial processes and frameworks

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

The full salary range for this role is $89,601 to $121,225 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution. We expect to appoint at a level depending on your skills and experience.

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

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

• Proven record of proactive customer service and the ability to build relationships with a range of stakeholders
• Sound commercial acumen and the desire to develop your commercial and procurement skills further
• Demonstrated use of analytical and data driven problem-solving skills
• Excellent influencing skills and the ability to communicate in a clear and convincing way
• Familiarity with infrastructure/ICT procurement or the sector would be beneficial, but not essential
• 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. 

You can find out more about our staff networks and our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here.

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 contact Anil Muringathery.

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 on Tuesday, 10 March 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.