Senior Development Adviser - Digital

Senior Development Adviser - Digital

• Help shape New Zealand’s development impact in the Pacific
• Lead New Zealand’s approach to closing the digital divide
• Wellington based position

Join a team at the heart of New Zealand’s international development as we partner with Pacific countries to unlock the potential of digital transformation for inclusive and sustainable development. We are seeking a Senior Development Adviser, Digital to lead our Pacific digital transformation programme and shape how digital services and connectivity support economic growth, resilience, and social inclusion across the region.

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

Support the delivery of bilateral and regional international development activities in partnership with host governments, the private sector, and regional organisations across priority sectors including agriculture, tourism, labour mobility, digital transformation, and private sector development.

As Senior Development Adviser, Digital you will lead the Ministry’s International Development Cooperation (IDC) Pacific digital transformation programme, providing strategic leadership across digital and connectivity initiatives. You will influence policy, shape programming, and represent New Zealand in regional and international forums.

You will work with partners to strengthen telecommunications infrastructure, support modern digital services and e government, and harness emerging technologies to deliver real benefits to Pacific communities - including those in remote and underserved areas.

As a Senior Development Adviser, Digital you will:

• Lead the development and implementation of the Ministry’s Pacific digital transformation strategy, including telecommunications, connectivity, e‑government, and digital services
• Provide expert technical and policy advice on digital transformation across the division and the wider Ministry
• Lead and manage a portfolio of regional and multi‑country digital development investments aligned with New Zealand’s development objectives
• Ensure programmes are evidence‑based, contextually informed, and designed using best‑practice
• Monitor and manage programme budgets, risks, performance, evaluation outcomes, and MERL requirements
• Embed safeguarding, inclusion, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability across all investments
• Contribute to strategic development policy, funding priorities, and partnership frameworks with a focus on digital innovation
• Leverage New Zealand’s digital expertise and build effective relationships with partner governments, multilateral organisations, implementing partners, and New Zealand Inc agencies
• Represent New Zealand in regional and international forums and support ministerial servicing through high‑quality briefings and advice
• Demonstrate public service leadership by exercising sound political judgement, upholding New Zealand Public Service values, supporting Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations, and fostering inclusive ways of working

For more detail you can view a copy of the position description here. The official title for this role is Senior Development Adviser.

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.  

You will bring strong international development experience combined with digital sector insights, enabling you to operate confidently across strategic policy, programme delivery, and international engagement.

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

• A relevant graduate qualification (e.g. international relations, development studies, economics, or public policy)
• Experience in shaping digital transformation in developing countries
• Experience in international development policy and programme design
• Experience contributing to complex policy or investment planning processes
• Experience representing New Zealand in international or regional forums
• Strong understanding of development policy frameworks and sector strategies
• Proven ability to apply the Five Case Model and intervention logic
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong stakeholder engagement, planning, and organisational capability
• Sound judgement, political awareness and strong stakeholder management skills
• A commitment to public service values, Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations, and inclusive ways of working

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 recruitment@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 Tuesday, 21 April 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.