Senior Commercial Adviser - Infrastructure

Senior Commercial Adviser – Infrastructure

• Work with purpose, complexity and variety
• Take on exciting global challenges
• Design and implement innovative commercial strategies
• Join a collaborative, mission-driven team with excellent team culture.

This isn’t your average procurement job. It’s fast-paced, mission-driven, and globally connected. You’ll influence real-world outcomes, help deliver critical services, and enhance our global physical footprint. We’re trusted to deliver strategic commercial advice and procurement support.

This is a fixed-term position through to 30 June 2027 to progress a number of projects.

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

As a Senior Commercial Adviser, you’ll Join the Ministry’s Commercial Division – a collaborative, high-performing team.  You will take the lead on complex, high-impact infrastructure and other projects. You’ll work across diverse geographies, delivering smart commercial solutions.

What you’ll do:

• Provide trusted commercial and procurement advice on high-value, high-risk infrastructure and other initiatives
• Develop tailored commercial strategies that align with the Ministry’s strategic goals
• Solve complex commercial challenges in dynamic environments
• Work with our international partners and stakeholders.

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

The full salary range for this role is $109,112 and $147,622 total remuneration, inclusive of KiwiSaver employer contribution. The Ministry will consider all applications, and the final remuneration offer will be determined by the successful applicant’s capability and experience.

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

We're looking for someone with the rare combination of expertise and adaptability with ability to develop effective solutions to unique complex challenges. You’ll thrive here if you bring:

• Deep infrastructure procurement and/or commercial advisory experience
• Strategic thinking, sharp analysis, and problem-solving confidence
• Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills
• Clear, compelling communication skills
• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to inclusive practices.

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

For a confidential discussion please contact Anil Muringathery.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Tuesday, 11 August 2026.

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 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.