Policy Adviser (Strategy) - until June 2027

New Zealand Government Joba; Wellington; On-site; NZD 91,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver employer contribution

Rainbow Tick accredited

Job summary

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) seeks a Policy Adviser (Strategy) for a fixed-term role to 30 June 2027. You will support the IDC Programme Strategy, coordinate strategic analysis, stakeholder engagement, governance, and planning across a high-profile work programme in New Zealand's international development agenda.

You will work with the Development Policy Unit to shape long-term direction, priorities and operating framework, coordinate cross-agency collaboration, and produce

Qualifications

• Experience in policy, strategy, programme coordination.
• Strong organisational, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong analytical and written communication skills.
• Experience supporting complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Understanding of public sector policy processes would be advantageous.
• Interest or experience in international development would be desirable.
• Understanding of The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti, Te Reo Māori and Māori protocols would be beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the development of the inaugural IDC Programme Strategy through policy research, analysis, and coordination of workstreams.
• Coordinating stakeholder engagement and consultation activities across PDG, wider MFAT, other government agencies, and external stakeholders.
• Preparing and contributing to briefing papers, discussion documents, presentations, and other strategic materials.
• Supporting programme planning, governance, reporting, and decision-making processes.
• Tracking milestones, actions, risks, and dependencies to support effective delivery of the strategy work programme.
• Maintaining programme documentation and supporting effective project management.
• Contributing to implementation planning and supporting the embedding of strategic priorities across the IDC Programme.

Skills

Policy analysis

Strategy development

Programme coordination

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Written communication

Public policy

Intl development

Te Tiriti knowledge

Job description

Policy Adviser (Strategy) - Fixed Term to 30 June 2027

Support the development of MFAT's new International Development Cooperation (IDC) Programme Strategy. Coordinate strategic analysis, stakeholder engagement, and governance processes across a high-profile programme of work. Help shape the future direction of New Zealand's international development cooperation programme. Play a key role in developing the strategic framework that will guide New Zealand's international development cooperation programme into the future.

About the role

The Development Policy Unit is seeking a highly organised and capable policy professional to support the development of a new International Development Cooperation (IDC) Programme Strategy. Working closely with the wider Development Policy Unit, the Policy Adviser will help drive a significant programme of strategic work that will establish the long-term direction, priorities, and operating framework for New Zealand's development cooperation programme. This role will coordinate and support strategic analysis, stakeholder engagement, planning, governance, and implementation planning activities. You will bring together information and perspectives from across MFAT and external partners, helping ensure the strategy is informed by robust evidence, effective consultation, and strong organisational alignment. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a high-impact strategic initiative that will help shape New Zealand's development cooperation priorities for years to come.

Key responsibilities

• Supporting the development of the inaugural IDC Programme Strategy through policy research, analysis, and coordination of workstreams.
• Coordinating stakeholder engagement and consultation activities across PDG, wider MFAT, other government agencies, and external stakeholders.
• Preparing and contributing to briefing papers, discussion documents, presentations, and other strategic materials.
• Supporting programme planning, governance, reporting, and decision-making processes.
• Tracking milestones, actions, risks, and dependencies to support effective delivery of the strategy work programme.
• Maintaining programme documentation and supporting effective project management.
• Contributing to implementation planning and supporting the embedding of strategic priorities across the IDC Programme.

Who are we looking for?

We'd like to hear from you if you are an experienced policy, strategy, or programme professional with the following skills and experience:

• Experience in policy, strategy, programme coordination, planning, or a related field.
• Strong organisational, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and workstreams.
• Strong analytical and communication skills, including the ability to synthesise complex information and prepare high-quality written products.
• Experience supporting complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Understanding of public sector policy processes and machinery of government would be advantageous.
• Interest or experience in international development, foreign policy, or related public policy areas would be desirable.
• Understanding of The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti, Te Reo Māori and Māori customs and protocols would be beneficial.

Why MFAT?

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

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.

The full salary range for this role is $91,393 to $107,520 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution.

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.

Applications close at 9pm on Sunday 11th October 2026.

This is not a Foreign Policy/diplomatic role. This is 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.