Senior Adviser Climate Change

• Opportunity in our climate change and environment team.
• Support MFAT’s climate change and development objectives.
• Wellington based – permanent.

Help shape NZ’s global and regional policy and action on climate change and the environment in developing countries, particularly the Pacific.

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

This position will focus on the multi-faceted area of climate change and environment policy and delivery in MFAT’s Pacific and Development Group (PDG). It includes areas as international climate finance negotiations; advice on design and delivery of  the IDC programme’s climate change and environment activities; and involvement in governance of multilateral funds focusing on climate change and the environment.

The successful candidate will:

• Provde strategic and policy advice on the Ministry’s engagement on and support to environment and climate change-related issues:
• support New Zealand’s engagement and influence in regional and international fora including international leading climate change negotiations in relation to climate finance.
• advise on the shape and direction of the Ministry’s delivery of climate change and environment development activities.
• identify opportunities to leverage New Zealand’s expertise and capability to help support New Zealand’s international development climate change and environment efforts, including with relevant New Zealand Inc agencies and international organisations.
• Identify climate change and environment policy priorities for the Pacific and Development Group and develop policy advice in areas of responsibility.
• Represent the Ministry and New Zealand in areas of responsibility, including at international meetings and governance of multilateral funds.
• Help to define and deliver the team’s work to provide insights on climate change and environment in the international development context (and particularly in the context of Pacific Island countries).
• Provide advice to bilateral and regional PDG divisions on where to focus across the range of potential investments and/or policy interventions.

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

The salary range for this role is from $124,674 to midpoint $146,675 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% 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 are an experienced policy adviser with the following skills and experience:

• Relevant professional climate change or environment policy experience (with knowledge of climate finance).
• Experience in multilateral settings / negotiations.
• Experience in relation to developing countries, and particularly and understanding of the Pacific.
• Strong knowledge of the key challenges facing developing countries and the role that effective development assistance plays in building Pacific resilience.
• Excellent policy analysis, written and oral skills and relationship management skills.
• Strong influencing skills and an understanding of how to make change happen in difficult contexts.
• Understanding of The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti, Te Reo Māori and Māori customs and protocols would be beneficial.   
• Be expected to travel periodically.

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 call/email Ali Carlin on 021 937 244 or alison.carlin@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 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 midnight on Monday, 7 July 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.