Communications Manager Pif - Until Oct 2027

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 130,000 - 176,000; Full time

Job summary

New Zealand Government is seeking a Communications Manager for the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) 27 project, based in Wellington. You will shape and deliver an integrated communications strategy to engage Pacific partners, leaders and communities while supporting New Zealand hosting objectives.

You will lead media operations, advise senior officials, and coordinate messaging across ministries and stakeholders to ensure culturally appropriate communications across all planning phases.

Qualifications

• Experience leading communications planning and delivery in high‑pressure environments.
• Proven ability to coordinate communications across multiple agencies and stakeholders.
• Strong writing, editing and content development skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead implementation of the overall PIF Leaders Meeting Communications Strategy and Communications Plan.
• Ensure communications, media and branding objectives align with programme outcomes and MFAT's objectives.
• Provide expert strategic communications advice to programme leadership and senior officials.
• Lead communications planning and delivery for ministerial meetings, officials' meetings and Leaders Meeting events.
• Lead planning and delivery of summit media operations, including media accreditation and supplier supervision.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic communications

Media relations

Writing & editing

Job description

Communications Manager PIF27 - until Oct 2027

Lead communications for one of New Zealand's most significant international events.

Shape how New Zealand engages with Pacific leaders, governments and communities.

Fixed term opportunity until October 2027.

About the role – Kōrero mō te tūranga

Reporting to the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) Taskforce Director, the Communications Manager will develop and deliver an integrated communications, media, branding, stakeholder engagement and public information strategy that supports New Zealand's hosting objectives. This role will play a critical part in ensuring clear, coordinated and culturally appropriate communications across all phases of planning and delivery, while enhancing engagement with Pacific partners and showcasing New Zealand's leadership on the regional stage. You will work closely with colleagues across government, Māori partners, regional stakeholders, international delegations and commercial suppliers to ensure a consistent and effective communications approach throughout the programme.

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Develop and lead implementation of the overall PIF Leaders Meeting Communications Strategy and Communications Plan.
• Ensure communications, media and branding objectives align with programme outcomes for New Zealand's hosting year, government priorities and MFAT's strategic objectives.
• Provide expert strategic communications advice to programme leadership and senior officials.
• Lead communications planning and delivery for ministerial meetings, officials' meetings and Leaders Meeting events.
• Lead planning and delivery of summit media operations, including media accreditation, media centre arrangements and supervision of suppliers.

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

The full salary range for this role is $129,965 and $175,835 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution.

Who are we looking for?

Mā wai te mahi nei? We'd like to hear from you if you are an experienced Communications professional with the following skills and experience:

• Experience leading communications planning and delivery, and communications teams, in high pressured environments.
• Proven ability to coordinate communications across multiple agencies and stakeholders to deliver consistent messaging and outcomes. Experience managing media engagement and high-profile events.
• Strong writing, editing and content development skills.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and advisory skills.
• Understanding of The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti, Te Reo Māori and Māori customs and protocols would be beneficial.

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 be considered for this position at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade you must be a NZ citizen. You must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret 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 Top Secret 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 9pm on Sunday 8th November 2026.

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.