Communications Adviser

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.



Communications Adviser - Pacific and Development

Help showcase New Zealand's unique position in and of the Pacific, and the rest of the world
Highlight New Zealand's relationships with regional and global partners and communities
Be part of a communications whanau that prioritises a partner-focused approach to their communications work
Fixed term to June 2026, based in Wellington
About the role - Korero mo te turanga

The Communications Adviser - Pacific and Development is part of the Ministry's wider Communications Division, located within the specialist Pacific and Development Group (PDG) Communications Team.

They are responsible for creating quality, engaging content for audiences across a range of media and communications channels and play a key role in building and supporting communications across our PDG network, identifying, and implementing ways to raise communications capability, and working with partners on joint initiatives.

The Communications Adviser is also able to participate in, and contribute to, broader opportunities across the Ministry, including assisting during significant humanitarian responses, events, and activities, and on official visits and travel.

For more detail you can view the position description here.

The full salary range for this role is $87,672 and $118,615 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution. We expect to appoint around the midpoint $103,143 - give or take depending on your level of experience.

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


You will be an experienced communications specialist (we are looking for a minimum of two to five years in a working role), with a sound knowledge of best practice across a range of communications channels, and the ability to draw on this to achieve results.
You will be a confident writer, a clear thinker, and have strong content creation skills - which you'll be able to use to encourage people to sit up, take note, and read on.
You will be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where strong judgement, trust, and the ability to collaborate and develop connections is key.
You will be able to apply your skills - and your unique voice, including from different lived and cultural perspectives - to help shape and share stories that highlight New Zealand's place and partnerships in the Pacific region, and the rest of the world.
Understanding of The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti, Te Reo Maori and Maori customs and protocols would be beneficial.
Why MFAT? - Nga hua o te mahi i te Manatu 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 - Mo matou

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 Apply/Interested? - Me pehea te tuku tono


Apply today with your CV and cover letter. For a confidential discussion please contact Sonya.Peters@mfat.govt.nz

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 6pm on Friday 22nd August 2025.

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.