Senior 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.  

Senior Communications Adviser (Fixed term 12 months)

• Use your communications skills in a varied, influential role
• Help advance New Zealand’s interests
• Work in a nimble dynamic and high performing team

MFAT is looking for a skilled Senior Communications Adviser to join its high performing team.

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role  

We are looking for a senior communications expert interested in foreign affairs, trade, international treaties, the United Nations and related activities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Manatū Aorere is looking for someone with:

• The ability to provide advice and deliver on a wide range of communications projects
• Experience in communications planning and advice, speech writing, social media, web content and related channels to communicate key initiatives to target audiences and stakeholders, including Ministers.
• Wellington-based – 12 month Flixed Term role

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

The full salary range for this role is $124,674 and $146,675 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution.

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

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 managers 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.
• Work collaboratively across the Communications Division, including Internal, Media, Digital and Public Diplomacy teams.
• Demonstrate a sound understanding of the machinery of government
• 5+ years’ communications experience with excellent planning and organisational skills

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 contact Daniel Glover.

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 Top Secret level.

Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a Top Secret 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 9pm on Tuesday 8th October 2024.

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.