Senior Development Adviser - Capability

• Build training, tools, and content to enhance performance and ways of working
• Deliver targeted capability solutions
• Wellington based – permanent full time

Lead Pacific Development Group’s capability development and maintain fit-for-purpose framework outcome!

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

Shape the future of International Development Cooperation (IDC) Programme capability — from big-picture strategy through to real-world impact. You’ll lead how we build capability across the Pacific and Development Group (PDG), working alongside teams to create practical, lasting improvements in how we design and deliver international development assistance.

This Senior Development Adviser – Capability is responsible for supporting the capability development of all staff across PDG,  and the maintenance of PDG’s capability framework.  Responsibilities include to:

• Lead a curriculum-driven approach to IDC Programme capability, setting the strategy and ensuring it aligns with the Ministry’s direction and PDG priorities
• Turn strategy into practice by designing and delivering practical frameworks, tools, and learning solutions that strengthen policy and programme delivery
• Work in partnership across PDG to identify capability needs and develop targeted solutions that lift performance and ways of working
• Build capability at all levels through high-quality training, coaching, and support to leaders and teams across Wellington and Posts

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

The salary range for this role is $127,417 to midpoint $149,902 total remuneration, inclusive of our KiwiSaver employer contribution.  We expect to appoint depending on your level of experience.  

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

We’d like to hear from you if you are experienced with the following skills and experience:

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualifications
• Recognised L&D qualifications will be desirable

Experience

• Senior advisory experience in either a capability role or position focused on aligning business practice to organisation strategy
• Experience working with leaders in assessing capability (at a high-level), identifying gaps and recommending appropriate solutions to address capability gaps
• Experience in a role where excellent relationship, project management, and stakeholder management skills are key
• 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 charlotte.connell@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 midnight on Tuesday, 2 June 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.