Ministerial Services Adviser

Ministerial Services Adviser, MFAT

• Opportunity to broaden your Ministerial Services skills and experience
• Work at the heart of the Government’s foreign policy Ministry
• Join a high-performing, friendly and supportive team

Play an important role by providing high quality, impartial advice and support across both MFAT and our Minister’s offices.

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

An opportunity for an Adviser to join the Ministerial Services team at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) has arisen. This role is part of the Executive Services Division (ESD) Ministerial Services team, who provide high quality, impartial advice and support across both MFAT and our Minister’s offices.

You will work across the Ministry to manage the development of responses to Official Information Act requests, Ministerial correspondence, written parliamentary questions, proactive release of OIA responses and Cabinet papers, and assist with other projects as you are able.

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

The salary range for this role is 78,043 to 91,815 total remuneration, negotiable depending on skills and experience.

Please note the total remuneration is inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution.

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

To be successful in this role you will be a resilient team player with great people and time management skills, who likes to be busy. You will also:

• Have high standards when it comes to drafting and be able to write clearly and concisely.
• Have political nous and sound judgement and know how to manage/mitigate risk.
• Be able to work independently and calmly to manage multiple tight deadlines.
• Like to have a lot on the go, manage multiple tasks and adjust your priorities as needed.
• Have excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Know how to work collaboratively within a team and with the wider organisation.
• Work quickly and confidently to develop effective relationships with a wide range of subject matter experts across the Ministry and within other Ministerial Services teams.
• Have a sound working knowledge of the Official Information Act 1982.
• Have some experience working within the New Zealand government system/public service, particularly in a ministerial or parliamentary servicing role. Possibly, you have even worked in a secure environment and held a security clearance.
• 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 contact Owen.Thornber@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 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 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 6pm on Tuesday 21st October 2025.

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.