Communications Adviser - Pacific and Development

Communications Adviser — Pacific and Development

• Highlight Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique position in the region
• Showcase our relationships with our Pacific partners
• Be part of a dedicated team in a supportive and progressive environment

Contribute to the delivery of a strategic programme of communications focused on Aotearoa New Zealand’s engagement in the Pacific, and the rest of the world.

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role  

The Communications Adviser — Pacific and Development is part of the Ministry’s Communications Division, with a specific focus on the work of the Pacific and Development Group.

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 Pacific network, identifying and implementing ways to raise communications capability, and working with external partners on joint initiatives.

The Communications Adviser — Pacific and Development is also able to participate in, and contribute to, broader opportunities across the Ministry, and assist during significant humanitarian responses, events and activities.

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

The full salary range for this role is $81,616 and $110,422 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution.

We expect to appoint around the midpoint $96,019 – give or take depending on your level of experience.  

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

You will be an experienced communications specialist, with an extensive knowledge of best practice across a range of communications channels, and the ability to draw on this to achieve results.

You will be a great writer, a great thinker, and have strong videography and photography skills — which you’ll be able to use to create content that encourages 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 relish applying your skills — and your unique voice — to help shape and share stories that highlight Aotearoa New Zealand’s place and partnerships in the Pacific region, and the rest of the world.

Ideally you will also have a good understanding of tikanga (Māori customs and protocols), with the ability to weave te ao Māori (the Māori worldview) into your work. 

If you are just starting on this journey that’s OK too – as long as you have a willingness to learn and a desire to develop your cultural capability.  As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, this is important to us and we offer training and support. 

Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Aorere - Why MFAT?

We are committed to a focus on leadership, talent, training and development, and flexible work options.  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. 

You can find out more about our staff networks and our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here

Mō mātou - 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. 

Me pēhea te tuku tono - To Apply/Interested?

Apply today with your CV and cover letter.

For a confidential discussion please email daniel.glover@mfat/govt.nz

To be considered for this position you must be a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident and able to obtain and maintain a NZ Government National Security clearance at Confidential level.

Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a Confidential security clearance. Please note that this tool is not part of the formal security clearance process:

http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool

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 27th March 2023

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.