Policy Adviser (Strategy) - until June 2027

Mfat; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 91,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

MFAT in Wellington, NZ is seeking a Policy Adviser (Strategy) on a fixed-term basis to lead development of the IDC Programme Strategy. You will coordinate strategic analysis, governance, and stakeholder engagement across a high-profile programme to shape New Zealand's development cooperation priorities.

You will work with the Development Policy Unit to set long-term direction, priorities, and operating framework, ensuring evidence-based, well-consulted decisions and strong organisational

Qualifications

• Experience in policy, strategy, or programme coordination.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Ability to analyse complex information and produce high-quality written materials.
• Experience engaging multiple stakeholders across government/partners.
• Understanding of public sector policy processes would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of the inaugural IDC Programme Strategy through policy research and coordination.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement and consultation with PDG, MFAT, other agencies, and external partners.
• Prepare briefing papers, discussion documents, presentations, and strategic materials.
• Support programme planning, governance, reporting, and decision-making processes.
• Track milestones, actions, risks and dependencies to aid delivery of the strategy work programme.
• Maintain programme documentation and support effective project management.
• Contribute to implementation planning and embedding strategic priorities across the IDC Programme.

Skills

Policy development

Strategy

Programme coordination

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Analytical thinking

Written communication

Job description

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Date: 25 Sept 2026

Location: Wellington, NZ, 6011

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 - Kōrero mō te tūranga

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 include:

• 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.

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

The full salary range for this role is $91,393 to $107,520 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 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? - 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.

Please contact [e-mail] if you have any questions.

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 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 11th October 2026.

Please note: 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. 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 via our graduate recruitment or mid-level foreign policy recruitment campaigns.