Senior Development Adviser - Private Sector Finance
Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade
📍Wellington (NZ) 🕔 Full Time
💰 $127,414 to $149,902 NZD/year ⏳ 07/04/2026
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.
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 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.
