Lead Advisor - Compliance and Enforcement - 3-year fixed term opportunity

•         Champion MFAT’s role as steward of the New Zealand sanctions system
• Support the effective compliance with NZ’s Russian Sanctions regime and United Nations Sanctions regulations
• 3-year fixed term opportunity, Wellington based 

Lead MFAT's sanctions compliance and enforcement function and help safeguard the integrity and effectiveness of New Zealand's sanctions framework.

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

We are seeking an experienced regulatory professional to lead compliance and enforcement activities within New Zealand's sanctions framework. Working at the intersection of foreign policy and regulation, you will help protect the integrity and effectiveness of New Zealand's sanctions regime through regulatory leadership, risk-based compliance and enforcement activities, and strong engagement with government and the regulated community

Key responsibilities;

• Lead intelligence-led, risk-based compliance and enforcement activity to address sanctions breaches, evasion risks and emerging regulatory challenges
• Help shape and strengthen New Zealand's sanctions regulatory system through the development of policy, guidance, operating procedures and regulatory tools.
• Provide expert strategic and operational advice on complex sanctions, compliance and enforcement matters to support effective regulatory outcomes.
• Build and lead partnerships across government, law enforcement, international counterparts and regulated sectors to promote compliance and coordinate enforcement responses

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

The salary range for this role is $151,085 to $177,746 total remuneration, inclusive of our 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 have the following skills and experience:

• Significant experience in regulation, compliance, law enforcement, intelligence, investigations or a related field, with a strong understanding of risk-based regulatory practice and enforcement.
• Proven ability to analyse complex legislation, risk and compliance issues, and provide clear, practical advice that supports effective regulatory and operational decision-making.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-management skills, with experience working collaboratively across government, industry or regulated sectors to achieve positive compliance outcomes.

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 Mike.Stone@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 Top Secret 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 Top Secret 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 23rd 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.