Senior Development Adviser

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 130,000 - 153,000; Full time

Job summary

MFAT in Wellington is seeking a Senior Development Adviser for Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) to strengthen development outcomes and lead strategic evaluation initiatives. You will provide technical leadership across the IDC Programme to inform policy and investment decisions.

This fixed-term role runs to June 2027 and requires a relevant graduate qualification with international development experience, plus strong stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Relevant graduate qualification in international relations, development studies, economics, finance or public policy.
• Experience in international development policy, programme design, evaluation and/or research.
• Proven ability to lead strategic policy analysis and advice using evidence.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and leadership across complex environments.
• Understanding of The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti and Māori customs beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Lead MERL's strategic evaluation and research work programme.
• Provide technical leadership and advice on monitoring, evaluation, research and learning across the IDC Programme.
• Develop MERL standards, frameworks and approaches to performance measurement.
• Represent MFAT in relevant domestic and international forums and engagements.
• Generate and promote evidence and insights to support policy, programme and investment decisions.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Policy analysis

Communication

Education

Graduate degree

Job description

Senior Development Adviser - Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL)

Strengthen development outcomes across the Pacific Lead strategic research and evaluation initiatives Help shape policy and investment decisions through evidence-based insights Fixed-term opportunity based in Wellington until June 2027

The salary range for this role is $129,965 to $152,900 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading MERL's strategic evaluation and research work programme.
• Providing technical leadership and advice on monitoring, evaluation, research and learning across the IDC Programme.
• Developing and strengthening MERL standards, frameworks and approaches to performance measurement.
• Representing MFAT in relevant domestic and international forums and engagements.
• Generating and promoting evidence and insights to support policy, programme and investment decisions.

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

A relevant graduate qualification (e.g. international relations, development studies, economics, finance, public policy) Experience in international development policy, programme design, evaluation and/or research. Experience leading strategic policy analysis and advice, using evidence to inform policy, investment and programme decisions. Strong stakeholder engagement, influencing and leadership skills, with the ability to build capability and work effectively across complex environments. 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, 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

Applications close at 9pm on Sunday 27th September 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.

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.