Senior Development Adviser - Infrastructure (fixed - term contract)

• Build and lead strong partnerships with Pacific representing Aotearoa on the global stage
• Provide expert advisory and policy insights
• Wellington based fixed term contract till 8 November 2026.

Shape and deliver impactful infrastructure initiatives across the Pacific, from concept design to implementation, driving sustainable development aligned with New Zealand’s strategic priorities!

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

Development Partnerships Division (DEVEPA) are looking for a Senior Adviser, Infrastructure. The Unit covers development projects and issues relating to infrastructure, energy, and transport.

The Senior Adviser works as part of a multi-disciplinary team of thematic, policy and delivery focused colleagues who work together to ensure the effective delivery of development activities. The infrastructure portfolio currently includes significant construction projects and activities that support Pacific partners to build institutional capability.

The Senior Adviser, Infrastructure provides technical and strategic input related to the infrastructure sector in the Pacific. This includes:

• providing technical and strategic advice as required to support design and quality delivery of infrastructure activities in the Pacific;
• designing and supporting the delivery of infrastructure–related activities funded by the New Zealand IDC; including financial, contract and relationship management; and
• contributing to IDC infrastructure strategy and policy issues and engagement.

The Senior Adviser may be expected to travel periodically, including to developing countries. Travel duties include representation at external fora, relationship management, and Activity monitoring, scoping and design work.

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

The full salary range for this role is $127,417 to $172,387 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution. The midpoint is $149,902. 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:

• Driving impactful infrastructure projects across sectors such as public utilities, technical consulting, and construction.
• Leading and supporting programme delivery, ensuring successful outcomes for complex projects.
• Apply strategic thinking and commercial expertise, including financing and procurement for infrastructure initiatives.
• Represent the organisation externally, influencing policy and fostering international development partnerships.
• Understanding of The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti, Te Reo Māori and Māori customs and protocols would be beneficial.
• Interested in making a difference through New Zealand’s International Development Cooperation.   

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.

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 Monday, 26 January 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.