Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Use your extensive communications skills in a varied, influential role
Help advance New Zealand’s interests
Work in a nimble dynamic and high performing team
Wellington based, permament role
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Manatū Aorere is looking for a skilled Senior Communications Adviser to join its high performing communications team.
About the role – Kōrero mō te tūranga
We are looking for a senior communications expert interested in foreign affairs, international trade, the multilateral system and the rule of law. We are looking for someone with:
● The ability to provide high level communications advice on a wide range of projects and opportunities across the Ministry.
● Significant experience in communications planning and advice, speech writing, social media, media, web content and related channels to communicate key initiatives to target audiences and stakeholders, including world leaders, ministers and diplomats.
For more detail you can view a copy of the position description here.
We expect to appoint between 80% of the band ($129,965) and 100% ($152,900) for this role – dependent on your level of experience. Bands include total remuneration, inclusive of our 3.5% 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 Senior Communications Adviser with the following skills and experience:
Significant experience at a senior level, with the ability to give communications advice and guidance to senior staff on complex issues and deliver communications projects for a portfolio of customers within the Ministry.
Bring a strategic approach to the planning and delivery of communications using effective channels and tools to achieve impact and influence.
Demonstrate a sound understanding of the machinery of government.
8+ years’ communications experience with excellent planning and organisational 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 Apply/Interested? – Me pēhea te tuku tono
Apply today with your CV and cover letter.
For a confidential discussion please email Daniel Glover on Daniel.Glover@mfat.govt.nz.
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 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 midnight on Wednesday 12th August 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.
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