Senior Adviser Transparency - Parental cover

• Opportunity to join a diverse team supporting the New Zealand IDC Programme 

• Your skills will support enlightening New Zealanders, and the world, on the great work done by the New Zealand IDC Programme 

• Wellington CBD based, fixed term/secondment till 6 July 2026 full time and potential to go part time till 5 Jan 2027. 

Play a key role in driving greater transparency across the IDC programme both in how we work internally, and how we present our data and information externally.  

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga 

This role will be a member of the Development Data and Systems Team (DDS) working on Reporting and Transparency. The team’s primary function is to manage and continuously improve data, systems and reporting that relate to the New Zealand International Development Cooperation (IDC) Programme (formerly the New Zealand Aid Programme). DDS sits within the Pacific and Development Group (PDG), which leads an integrated approach to New Zealand’s diplomatic and development engagement with Pacific countries and is responsible for the implementation of the New Zealand IDC Programme globally. 

We are looking for someone who would like to use their technical, strategic, and interpersonal skills to support the development of processes and products to enhance and streamline MFAT’s IDC transparency and active release of information and public products. As part of your role you’ll: 

• Oversee and manage the development and operation of the DevData website. 

• Own the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI) open data release process. 

• Mainstream transparency into activity (project) management systems as well as individual activities.  

• Develop trusted relationships with staff across the Ministry and key external stakeholders. 

This role will be 37.5 hours a week, fixed term till 6 July 2026 full time and potential to go part time till 5 Jan 2027, to provide parental leave cover.  

The salary range of $127,417 to midpoint $149,902 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution. We expect to appoint depending on your level of experience.  

For any internal candidates we encourage you refer to the HR Policy and a conversation with your manager.

Please note: The Pacific Development Group is currently going through a change process and so the requirement of the role may change. 

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

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

We’d like to hear from you if you have the following skills and experience: 

• Keen interest in international development and/or in the importance of transparency, openness and accountability in the public sector. 

• Around 5 years experience working in a public-facing information
• Ability to learn technical information quickly and the confidence to ask lots of questions.
• Ability to visualise the bigger picture and implement it
• Confident level of MS Excel skills and ability to use Pivot Tables and formulas.
• Excellent written communication skills
• Excellent organisation and self-management skills, and proven ability to prioritise tasks, manage workload and work to tight deadlines.

• Ability to visualise the bigger picture and implement it. 
• Some project management experience desirable.

• 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 call/email: Nina.Pearson@mfat.govt.nz 

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 midnight on Friday, 31 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.