Senior Development Adviser - Design

• Lead activity design and business case development
• Strengthen design processes and guidance
• Deliver high-quality development outcomes
• Wellington based – permanent full time position

Shape how New Zealand design and delivers development investments

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) is seeking an experienced Senior Development Adviser to join the Design Economy and Prosperity Unit (DZECO) within the Pacific and Development Group.

DZECO sits within the wider Development Economy and Prosperity (DEVECO) division which leads New Zealand’s development investments across sectors including digital transformation, agriculture, tourism, private sector, labour mobility, oceans and fisheries, and public finance management and economics.

The DZECO Unit is responsible for leading business casing, design, procurement and contracting for Activities within  the DEVECO portfolio. This is a pivotal role that leads the design and business casing of investments, while strengthening the systems, processes, and standards that underpin consistent, high-quality delivery. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading business case development and activity design using the Five Case Model and intervention logic
• Partnering with bilateral and regional teams to translate Concept Notes into robust, approvable investments
• Strengthening system performance by supporting the development of guidance, templates, and design standards
• Supporting consistent application of design processes and frameworks
• Supporting procurement, contracting, and implementation readiness
• Contributing to monitoring, evaluation, and learning, ensuring evidence informs decisions
• Managing technical services and panels to support high-quality design

The Senior Development Adviser – Design Economy and Prosperity plays a critical role in shaping and delivering New Zealand’s international development cooperation programme. 

You will operate in a complex stakeholder environment, applying sound judgement and political awareness to deliver practical, high-quality development designs.

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

The salary range for this role is $127,417 to midpoint $149,902 total remuneration, inclusive of our 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 have the following skills and experience:

• Experience in international development and programme design, including business case development. 
• Strong working knowledge of government investment frameworks (e.g. Five Case Model) and design tools (e.g. theory of change, results-based management)
• Experience contributing to complex policy initiatives or investment planning within a public sector context. 
• The ability to improve processes and drive efficiency
• Well-developed influencing skills, including across agencies or partners
• Sound judgement, political nous, and an understanding of machinery of government processes
• Good understanding of international development policy frameworks and sector strategies. 
• Capable in strategic risk analysis, performance evaluation, and partner engagement. 
• 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 email alison.riley@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 Wednesday, 6 May 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.