Development Adviser - Education
Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade
📍Wellington (NZ) 🕔 Full Time
💰 $106,973 to $125,850 NZD/year ⏳ 07/04/2026
This is a great opportunity to work on meaningful education initiatives, build your international development expertise, and contribute to positive outcomes across the region in a collaborative policy and programme environment. As a Development Adviser – Education, you will support the project management of complex education investments and associated contracts, contribute to policy advice on education-related development issues, and provide technical input to education programming. Through your sector insights, you’ll help influence strategy, improve the impact of current investments, and support future education priorities. Some international travel will be required periodically, primarily within the Pacific.
As a Development Adviser Education, you will:
Support delivery of a portfolio of education development activities and investments
Contribute to policy and strategic advice on education in developing countries
Assist with investment design, business cases, and procurement using the Five Case Model
Monitor programme performance, risks, and budgets
Support monitoring, evaluation and learning (MERL) and apply evidence to advice
Engage with regional and international stakeholders and represent the Ministry where required
Contribute to high-quality ministerial briefings
You will also contribute to broader policy and programme work, including supporting monitoring and evaluation, humanitarian response, ministerial servicing, and international engagement activities as required.
For more detail you can view a copy of the position description here.
Who are we looking for? - Mā wai te mahi nei?
Relevant tertiary qualification (e.g. development studies, education, public policy, international relations)
Experience in international development, policy and/or programme design
Understanding of development frameworks and investment approaches
Strong communication, planning, and stakeholder engagement skills
Cultural competence and understanding of Te Tiriti o WaitangiExperience with international development
You’ll bring a strong interest in education and international development, along with the ability to work collaboratively in a policy and programme environment.
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 Please note that this tool is not part of the formal security clearance process.
Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.
