The Ministry acts in the world to build a safer, more prosperous and more sustainable future for New Zealanders.

Kia hangai ake e te Manatu he ao-haumaru, ao-tonui, ao-pumau, ki te oranga tonutanga mo Aotearoa whanui.

• Promote solutions to the major opportunities and challenges facing the Pacific Ocean space * Be a leading partner with the Pacific region in developing innovative approaches * Wellington based – 2 years Fixed Term role.

We are looking for someone with strong strategic policy experience and excellent policy development skills. Excellent opportunity to showcase your abilities at a programme and project level!

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

The Adviser - Pacific Ocean and Fisheries (POF) is a core part of the Pacific Ocean and Fisheries Team working alongside six other passionate ocean and fisheries specialists and rotational staff.

The Adviser will be expected to contribute to developing advice on a range of regional ocean issues, and work with team members to finalise this advice for PDG, the wider Ministry and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The Adviser – Pacific Ocean and Fisheries will:

• Manage activities (projects) in the IDC programme, ensuring MFAT’s IDC principles are upheld, and in doing so, support the region to achieve the vision articulated in the 2050 Strategy for a Blue Pacific Continent. Strong relationship management skills are required, along with a drive to deliver quality development assistance. * Prepare briefings on key ocean issues in the Pacific region. These briefings will need to be carefully coordinated with other teams (e.g. bilateral) and grounded in sound decision-making and an understanding of regional dynamics, both those of New Zealand and of the Pacific region. * Build and maintain strong relationships with Pacific partners, particularly those agencies in the Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP).

The Adviser may be expected to travel periodically within New Zealand and/or to Pacific Island Countries and Territories.

This is a Wellington-based role, but flexible working arrangements are supported, in agreement with managers.

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

The full salary range for this role is $104,670 - $141,612 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% Kiwi Saver employer contribution - negotiable depending on experience.

Mā‎ wai te mahi nei? – Who are we looking for?

We’d like to hear from you if you are an experienced with the following skills and experience:

• A minimum of five years of experience working in a policy, business innovation or the environmental sector. * Experience in developing policy advice, ideally in a Government setting. * Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously, demonstrating strong project management skills. * Experience working with a range of partners, and building sound relationships based on trust. * Experience of working autonomously and within guidelines, demonstrating the use of sound judgement and initiative * Proven experience developing strategies and initiatives that are well founded, technically sound, practical and appropriate. * Proven ability to see beyond the immediate issues and comprehend the ‘big picture’ so that opportunities are identified and risks properly assessed. * Experience working in the Pacific and with Pacific partners.

Ideally you will also have a good understanding of tikanga (Māori customs and protocols), with the ability to weave te ao Māori (the Māori worldview) into your work. If you are just starting on this journey that’s OK too – as long as you have a willingness to learn and a desire to develop your cultural capability. As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, this is important to us and we offer training and support.

Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Aorere - Why MFAT?

We are committed to a focus on leadership, talent, training and development, and flexible work options. 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. You can find out more about our staff networks and our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here

Mō mātou - About us

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.

Me pēhea te tuku tono - To Apply/Interested?

Apply today with your CV and cover letter.

For a confidential discussion please email Stephen Harris at Stephen.harris@mfat.govt.nz

To be employed with 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 Thursday, 19 September 2024.

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.