Senior Development Adviser - Governance and Inclusion
Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade
📍Wellington (NZ) 🕔 Full Time
💰 $127,417 to $135,000 NZD/year ⏳ 01/04/2026
We are seeking a Senior Development Adviser – Governance and Inclusion 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, human rights and governance.
The Senior Development Adviser will contribute expertise in governance and inclusion, which may include areas such as gender equality and women’s empowerment, disability inclusion, social inclusion, human rights and related aspects of international development cooperation, supporting partners to strengthen systems, inclusive development and equitable outcomes. Key responsibilities include:
Providing high quality development advice across gender equality and women’s empowerment, disability inclusion, social inclusion, human rights and governance in the Pacific and other regions.
Leading or contributing to the design, implementation and oversight of development investments that align with partner priorities and Ministry frameworks.
Contributing analysis on gender equality and women’s empowerment, disability inclusion, social inclusion, human rights and governance, including identifying risks, opportunities and context relevant considerations.
Representing MFAT in bilateral, regional and multilateral engagements.
Building and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external partners.
For more detail you can view a copy of the position description here.
Who are we looking for? - Mā wai te mahi nei?
We are seeking applicants whose strengths and experience align with the purpose and responsibilities of this position. 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. We also recognise that candidates may have experience in some but not all areas within the team’s mandate, and we encourage you to outline the focus areas in which you have relevant experience.
Building on this, we are interested in candidates with a minimum of 5 years of experience relevant to governance, inclusive development or international development policy and programming, particularly in Pacific or developing country contexts. You will bring analytical capability, political awareness and clear written and verbal communication, alongside a collaborative and culturally responsive approach. The ability to build trusted relationships in diverse stakeholder environments, and an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga Māori and Ministry values, will also be important.
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 bindu.armstrong@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.
