Senior Development Adviser - Private Sector Finance

• Help shape New Zealand’s development impact
• Make a real impact across the Pacific
• Wellington based positions

In this senior advisory role, you will contribute to shaping and delivering programmes that strengthen private sector development, mobilise investment and unlock innovative finance solutions for Pacific Island countries. Working closely with colleagues across MFAT, partner governments, development institutions and the private sector, you will provide strategic policy leadership, technical expertise and programme oversight to support inclusive, resilient and flourishing Pacific economies.

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

As Senior Development Adviser, Private Sector Finance, you will contribute to New Zealand’s international development objectives by providing high-quality policy, technical and programme advice to support private sector development and mobilise greater investment into the Pacific.

You will bring specialist expertise to catalyse investment and philanthropic finance, strengthen Pacific enterprises, and boost Pacific trade outcomes domestically, regionally and globally.

The role also provides strategic sector insights, informs country and regional strategies, and offers technical leadership on development initiatives that increase investment flows. You will lead and manage regional or multi-country development investments, manage key stakeholder relationships, and represent New Zealand in regional and multilateral forums.

As a Senior Development Adviser, Private Sector Finance you will:

• Lead goal setting, priorities and funding allocations for private sector development and private finance initiatives within the Industry and Innovation portfolio
• Develop and support strategic partnerships aligned with New Zealand’s Industry and Innovation policy direction
• Lead Industry and Innovation policy engagement, planning and coordination processes
• Provide high-quality policy advice on international development issues, with a focus on private sector development and finance
• Design and support development investments using the Five Case Model and robust intervention logic
• Monitor programme performance, risks and budgets, and support procurement and business case development
• Apply results-based management tools including theories of change, log frames and MERL processes
• Embed safeguarding, inclusion, climate resilience and environmental sustainability across programme design and delivery
• Share expertise, mentor others and contribute to team capability and continuous improvement
• Represent MFAT in policy discussions, international forums and bilateral, regional and multilateral engagements
• Contribute to high-quality ministerial briefings, demonstrating political acuity and upholding New Zealand Public Service values
• Demonstrated 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 salary range for this role is $127,414 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?

• A relevant graduate qualification (e.g. international relations, development studies, economics, finance, public policy)
• Experience in international development policy and programme design, particularly in private sector development
• Experience contributing to complex policy initiatives or investment planning
• Experience representing New Zealand or organisations in regional or international forums
• Strong written, verbal and stakeholder engagement skills
• Working knowledge of the Five Case Model, intervention logic and results-based management
• Understanding of government decision-making processes and political context
• 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, 7 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.