Senior Development Adviser - Inclusion

• Build partnerships in the Pacific and represent New Zealand offshore
• Lead inclusion work across New Zealand’s international development cooperation programme
• Provide expert advice to support equitable development outcomes
• Wellington-based fulltime permanent role

Integrate gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) principles across New Zealand’s international development cooperation programme

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade works to build a safer, more prosperous and more sustainable future for New Zealanders. The Pacific and Development Group leads New Zealand’s international development cooperation, partnering to support stability, resilience, inclusive growth and sustainable development across the Pacific.

We are seeking a Senior Development Adviser to join the Governance and Inclusion team in the Development People and Planet Division. The role contributes to the Ministry’s international development objectives by providing high quality policy, technical and programme advice across areas related to gender equality and women’s empowerment, disability inclusion, social inclusion, and human rights

Key responsibilities include:

• You’ll be providing high quality development advice across gender equality and women’s empowerment, disability inclusion, social inclusion, and human rights the Pacific and other regions.
• You’ll be leading or contributing to the design, implementation and oversight of development investments that align with Pacific partner priorities and Ministry frameworks.
• You’ll contribute analysis on gender equality and women’s empowerment, disability inclusion, social inclusion, and human rights, including identifying risks, opportunities and context relevant considerations.
• You’ll represent MFAT in bilateral, regional and multilateral engagements.
• You’ll be building and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external partners.

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

The salary range for this role is $127,417 to $135,000 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 are an experienced gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) specialist with the following skills and experience:

• You will bring analytical capability, political awareness and clear written and verbal communication, alongside a collaborative and culturally responsive approach.
• You will be able to demonstrate experience integrating a GEDSI lens across policy processes or working on gender equality, disability, or social inclusion issues. 
• A minimum of 5 years experience relevant to international development policy and programming, particularly in Pacific or developing country contexts.
• Understanding of The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti, Te Reo Māori and Māori customs and protocols would be beneficial.   

We recognise that capability relevant to strengthening governance and advancing GEDSI can be developed through a range of professional pathways, and we are interested in hearing from candidates who can bring insight, judgement and a considered approach that will contribute effectively to our work with Pacific partners.

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 security 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 Thursday, 4 June 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.