Engagement Adviser until November 2027

• Develop a broad range of transferable skills to accelerate your career
• Be part of a diverse, supportive and collaborative team
• Wellington, Fixed Term (Secondment for internal employees) until 6 November 2027

A unique opportunity for an engagement adviser with good communication skills to work in a niche subject area, for a purposeful organisation!

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

The Engagement Adviser is a key member of the Ministry’s Security and Organisational Resilience Division, whose purpose is to identify and mitigate risks, threats and crises that could disrupt the work of the Ministry and affect New Zealanders both at home and abroad. With an offshore network encompassing 58 workplaces in 52 countries, the role offers exposure to a range of complex issues that can affect the Ministry’s people, assets and information. 

Day to day, the Engagement Adviser will use their skills in writing and graphics to draft and communicate complex security and resilience materials that are engaging and appealing to our wide internal audience. One day you might be asked to articulate security policies in plain English, another day what to do in the event of a crisis such as an earthquake or riot, and then to draft guidance to staff across our network on managing specific kinds of risks.  You will also play an important hand in supporting the Division’s development and delivery of security and resilience training.  

You may also be asked to:

• Produce written communications on a range of topics that is easy to engage with and brings complex topics to life, 

• Produce infographics, algorithms and process maps 

• Contribute to a strategic communications and engagement plan 

• Support and contribute to the creation of training and educational materials 

• Create content and visuals for training materials 

• Ensure that our training materials are updated when there are policy and process changes 

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

The full salary range for this role is $73,788 to $94,285 total remuneration, inclusive of our KiwiSaver employer contribution. The midpoint is $81,987. We expect to appoint depending on your level of experience.  

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

We are looking for a naturally curious, visual communicator who really understands how to use graphics as a communication tool and has some work experience under their belt. Our ideal candidate will also thrive in a fast paced work environment and be confident with the Abode Suite and Visio. Knowledge of other graphics software is a bonus!

We are a diverse team, representing a spectrum of cultures, work styles and life experiences. We are open to considering people from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including recent graduates with some work experience. What we’re really interested in seeing is your portfolio of work and how you demonstrate that you will be successful in this role.

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 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 a confidential discussion please email: Stephen.Wong@mfat.govt.nz

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 at midnight on Wednesday, 14 October 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.