Network Engineer

• Manage the stability and performance of the Ministry’s global business networks
• Providing expert inputs on infrastructure upgrades and development initiatives
• Wellington based - permanent

Join a highly skilled team where your problem-solving, analytical thinking, and proactive approach will directly support New Zealand’s international operations and digital resilience!

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

This is a Network Engineer role within the infrastructure team of IMD’s Platforms and Infrastructure Unit.

The infrastructure team is responsible for the management, stability and integrity of the Ministry’s infrastructure systems.  This includes the following core tasks:

• Providing day to day management and support for the Ministry’s Infrastructure systems
• Supporting Ministry staff in the use of IMD provided services.
• Providing advice, assistance and resource to support operational security assurance for the management and use of systems and services ensuring compliance with New Zealand government security policies and cyber security strategy.

On-call requirements - Staff in the Platforms and Infrastructure unit are expected to be part of the IMD on-call pool and are rostered on in accordance with the provisions of the on-call service requirements.              

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 with a midpoint of $105,412 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution. We expect to appoint around the midpoint, but this will depend 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 experience with the following skills and experience:

• A tertiary and/or industry qualification(s) in information technology such as CCNA, CCNP,CCA is desirable or equivalent industry experience
• At least 7 years practical experience in Networking systems.
• Demonstrable interest in Network Security.
• Experience in the configuration and management of networking technologies, including: Switching, routing, firewalls, VPN, WAN optimisation, etc
• Experience in supporting physical and virtual network equipment
• Experience with the Zscaler suite of products (ZIA, ZPA, ZDX, SIPA)
• Experience at all levels of supporting network protocols, including:  TCP/IP, BGP, SNMP, etc
• Good understanding of IT Operations Management, ITIL principles, including incident, problem and change management principles
• Understanding of The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti, Te Reo Māori and Māori customs and protocols would be beneficial.

We are particularly interested in people with Zscaler skills and experience.

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: recruitment@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 Sunday, 28 September 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.