Principal Adviser Industrial Relations and Policy

• Lead MFAT’s Industrial Relations strategy, union relationships, and collective bargaining approach
• Contribute to shaping HR policy and people practices for application across the global workforce
• Permanent role, based in Wellington

About the role – Kōrero mō te tūranga

We’re seeking an experienced HR professional to lead MFAT’s Industrial Relations strategy and drive the development of clear, effective, and future‑focused HR policy. This role sits within the People Division and plays a key part in supporting a constructive union–employer environment across a complex and globally dispersed organisation.

In this role you will:

• Lead collective bargaining and manage key union relationships
• Oversee the development, review, and implementation of HR policy
• Monitor legislative changes and ensure MFAT’s practices reflect contemporary IR/ER standards
• Work closely with HR Business Partners, the People Advisory and ER team, and other specialists to ensure consistent and aligned people practices

This is a unique opportunity to influence system‑wide IR and HR policy approaches, contribute to organisation‑level decision making, and support MFAT’s future people strategy.

To view the full position description, click here.

The full salary range for this role is $127,417 and $172,387 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution. Appointment within this range will depend on your level of experience.

Who we’re looking for – Mā wai te mahi nei?

We’re keen to hear from candidates who bring:

• Experience leading Industrial Relations work, including collective bargaining
• Strong understanding of employment legislation, case law, and IR/ER best practice
• Experience developing or overseeing HR or ER policy
• The ability to provide strategic, pragmatic advice on complex issues
• Strong relationship‑management and influencing skills, including confidence working with unions and senior leaders
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Sound judgement, risk awareness, and a solutions-focused mindset
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Reo Māori, and Māori customs and protocols would be beneficial

MFAT’s People Division has recently refreshed its structure to better align with future priorities. This role is part of a growing and evolving team working to strengthen people leadership, capability, and practice across the Ministry.

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. 

To top it off, you’ll be joining us as we move into our brand new, purpose built, office in the heart of Wellington.

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.

To be considered for this position at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade you must be a NZ citizen, or Permanent Resident. 

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 9:00pm on Tuesday, 3rd March, 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.