Senior Adviser - Business Engagement

There has never been a more critical time to work on international trade.

Join a newly established team focused on unlocking the full potential of New Zealand’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the Government’s ambition to double export value in ten years by helping businesses better leverage our FTAs and resolve non-tariff barriers.

We’re looking for a Senior Adviser to lead business engagement in the FTA Boost Unit, acting as a key conduit between MFAT and the business community.

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

The Senior Adviser – Business Engagement plays a key role in the newly established FTA Boost Unit within the Trade Policy Engagement and Implementation Division. The Unit is focused on leveraging New Zealand’s FTAs and addressing Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) to ensure businesses can fully benefit from our trade agreements.

This role leads the business engagement function of the Unit, building trusted relationships with exporters and other stakeholders. You’ll bring insights from the business community into the Unit’s strategy and policy work, and help co-create resources to support FTA utilisation. You’ll also lead engagement events and contribute to the Trade and Economic Group’s wider engagement strategy.

In this role you will:

• Lead a work programme to strengthen relationships with trade stakeholders and exporters
• Build trusted relationships with internationally facing New Zealand businesses
• Bring business insights into the Unit’s strategy and policy work
• Lead delivery of engagement events with business and government stakeholders
• Co-create resources to support FTA utilisation
• Support reporting and delivery of the Trade and Economic Group’s Engagement Strategy

For more detail you can view the position description here.

The appointing salary range for this role is $127,417 to $149,902 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution. Appointment within this range will depend on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.

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

We’re looking for a strategic and experienced business engagement professional with:

• At least 7 years' experience in business or business engagement roles
• Experience working with exporters or international-facing organisations (preferred)
• Experience in trade policy or FTA leveraging (desirable)
• Strong strategic thinking and project delivery skills
• Experience commissioning and managing research
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Understanding of government decision-making processes
• Familiarity with Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and tikanga Māori (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

The Ministry acts in the world to build a safer, more prosperous, and more sustainable future for New Zealanders.  MFAT is the Government’s principal agent for pursuing New Zealand’s international interests and representing our country offshore. We build connections with and influence other countries to advance New Zealand’s interests, project our values, and secure outcomes that matter to us.  We progress the Government’s international priorities and advise the Government on how regional and global events could impact New Zealand.

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 New Zealand Citizen.

It is a requirement of the role that you must be able to obtain and maintain a relevant New Zealand Government security clearance.

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.

For any questions or issues applying, you may contact recruitment@mfat.govt.nz

Applications close midnight on Friday, 31st October, 2025.