Consular Support

Consular Support Officer

•    Make use of your administrative experience and your 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

Support the delivery of advice and assistance for New Zealanders around the world.

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga  

We have a permanent vacancy joining our inclusive team as a consular support officer. This is a unique opportunity to support the delivery of consular services to New Zealanders overseas, and to be the front line in responding to enquires from New Zealanders and their whānau.   

This is a varied role in which you will:

• Respond to enquiries from New Zealanders and their families through public-facing platforms, including telephone calls, emails, social media etc.;  
• Provide practical assistance to overseas posts by entering case management records into the appropriate systems (particularly when posts do not have access to those systems);
• Process authentications from the Department of Internal Affairs and the New Zealand public;
• Assist with the administration and recovery of consular loans;
• Provide back-up support to the Division’s Team Administrator to assist the Divisional and Unit Managers to meet organisational/group administration responsibilities.

This is a Band 13 role. The appointment range for this role is $64,940 - $72,115 inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution - depending on experience. 

Please note: This is one of our specialist roles based in central Wellington, NZ and appointment to this role is not a pathway to a MFAT foreign policy role. There may be the potential for career progression into other specialist roles or positions in Wellington and while you may be able to apply for appropriate positions in other locations, including overseas at one of our Embassies, High Commissions, Missions or Consulates, it is not usual for specialist staff to be ‘posted’ outside of New Zealand.

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 an administrative role, and an interest in a people-centred position.

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 whānau during times of distress and trauma
• Sound judgement and decision making skills
• Strong written and verbal skills 
• The ability to work effectively in a team environment 
• The ability to adapt and resilience to navigate a high volume of work often in times of pressure

Ideally you will also have a good understanding of tikanga (Māori customs and protocols), with the ability to weave te ao Māori (the Māori worldview) into your work. 

If you are just starting on this journey that’s OK too – as long as you have a willingness to learn and a desire to develop your cultural capability.  As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, this is important to us and we offer training and support. 

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. 

Please find the position description here 

For a confidential discussion please contact recruitment@mfat.govt.nz

You must be a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident and be able to obtain and maintain an appropriate NZ Government Security clearance at Secret level.

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 9:00pm NZT on Friday 06 March 2026.