Senior Advisor, Pacific Security and Development Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Wellington

Closing Date: April 18, 2022

Make a real and material difference to Pacific countries on security related issues
Design, monitor and oversee the implementation of security development programmes
Utilise your strategic policy and development experience

Kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

The Senior Adviser Pacific Security and Development provides technical and strategic advice and leadership in the Pacific security and development sector for the Pacific and Development Group, the wider Ministry, other domestic agencies (primarily Police, Customs and Immigration) and Ministers. Alongside line agencies, the Senior Adviser will lead and project manage complex multi-country and regional security investments/activities in the Pacific region.

We are looking for someone who will:

Demonstrate leadership by working through complex and challenging issues, and coaching and mentoring staff to enhance their sector skills.
Be responsible for working with domestic agencies to achieve development results in the security sector in line with regional priorities, including those articulated through the Pacific Islands Forum and the Biketawa Declaration and implemented through relevant regional organisations, and New Zealand national security interests.
Be expected (when possible) to travel periodically to Pacific countries.

The appointment range for this role is $113,856 to $133,948 total remuneration – negotiable depending on experience.

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 will need to apply and be considered via a competitive recruitment process.

If you have an interest in an MFAT foreign policy career you will be welcome to apply for this either via our graduate recruitment or mid-level foreign policy recruitment campaigns.

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

Relevant post-graduate degree/ undergraduate degree in a relevant field, with relevant professional sector experience
Knowledge and experience as relevant to the role – a minimum 5 years of in the security or related sector, preferably at senior adviser level.
In depth understanding of security systems and sector issues, including opportunities and risks for New Zealand in its investments on security in the Pacific.
Strong strategic policy and development experience.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proven ability to coach, share knowledge and work cooperatively within and across teams.
Understanding global drivers for security and its application to investment in the Pacific.
Experience working on security issues in developing countries is desirable. International experience, and experience working across different cultural contexts, is highly desirable. Pacific experience and/or cultural understanding would be particularly valuable.

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.

We are also working to grow the diversity of our workforce and the inclusive nature of our workplace. Click on our diversity and inclusion page to find out more.

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 copy of the position description please click here.

For a confidential discussion please email pacreg@mfat.govt.nz .

You must be a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident and able to obtain and maintain an appropriate NZ Government Security clearance.

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

Applications close at midnight on 18/04/22

For more Information: Click here