Job Opportunities in New Zealand

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.

• Advise on NZ’s education investment in the Pacific
• Influence education leadership, capacity building
• Deliver quality and innovative education investments in developing countries
• Collaborate with a range of partners to achieve development goals

This is a 12-month fixed term role until December 2025.

Unique opportunity to advise and support New Zealand's International Development Cooperation to achieve education and training development outcomes in the Pacific, and globally.

This role is based in Wellington and may require some international travel.

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role
The Adviser - Education is responsible for providing support to develop and deliver advice that guides New Zealand's international development cooperation in the education and training sectors. This is an important role that requires coordination with partners in New Zealand, the Pacific and globally to promote high-quality and equitable learning pathways from early years through to tertiary education. The role also manages development activities and provides insights and research into education and development trends and issues.

The Education, Equity and Inclusion team cover advice and issues relating to education, gender, child and youth well-being and human rights within New Zealand’ international development cooperation. The Pacific region is a priority focus for engagement and investment in these sectors. The education work of the team contributes to ensuring that people have the skills, knowledge and values they need to thrive in a changing world.

The salary range for this role is $104,670 to midpoint $123,141 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 are looking for an experienced education adviser with a solid background in strategy development and project management. Knowledge of the New Zealand education sector or Pacific and international development is highly desirable. Excellent interpersonal skills are critical for this role with an ability to achieve results through collaboration with a diverse range of colleagues and partners.

We'd particularly like to hear about your:

• Experience developing policy advice and guidance for education and training
• Ability to communicate complex information that is fit-for-purpose to resonate with different audiences and needs
• Experience with activity management
• Experience managing projects and stakeholder relationships
• Knowledge of education issues and system, ideally in New Zealand and the Pacific
• Ability to present logical analysis and innovative solutions to influence outcomes

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.

We are also working to grow the diversity of our workforce and the inclusive nature of our workplace. Click on our diversity and inclusion page to find out more.

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 copy of the position description please click here.

For a confidential discussion please email Shane Coleman: shane.coleman@mfat.govt.nz

To be employed with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade you must be a NZ citizen or New Zealand 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 Monday, 28 October 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 will need to apply and be considered via a competitive recruitment process.

If you have an interest in an MFAT foreign policy career you will be welcome to apply for this either via our graduate recruitment or mid-level foreign policy recruitment campaigns.