Senior Strategic Communications Adviser

• Be an outcome focused Adviser for the Pacific region
• Develop and deliver strategic communications campaigns
• Wellington based - permanent

Excellent opportunity to plan and implement communications solutions with a focus on achieving results using a range of channels, platforms and tools

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

The Senior Strategic Communications Adviser (Pacific) is responsible for providing leadership and advice on, and the delivery of, strategic communications activities in support of New Zealand's foreign policy interests in the Pacific region.

In this role you will:

• Lead the development and delivery of strategic communications campaigns and activities in support of specific foreign policy objectives.
• Develop and implement a supporting programme of audience research, monitoring and evaluation.
• Support the governance of these campaigns and activities, including with regard to decision making and risk management.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.

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

The full salary range for this role is $127,417 to midpoint $149,902 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% 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 an experienced Communications Specialist with the following skills and experience:

• A communications-based or other relevant tertiary qualification
• Significant experience of planning and delivering communications projects or campaigns and providing communications advice and guidance to leaders and staff on complex and/or ambiguous issues, requiring depth of communications knowledge and influencing skills.
• Experience of taking a strategic approach to communication activities based on an understanding and awareness of political developments.
• Understanding of New Zealand's foreign policy, development and security interests in the Pacific region.
• Strong technical expertise in areas including research design, developing creative communications content, stakeholder management and the use of strategic communications planning tools.
• Experience of planning and managing large work programmes including budgeting and reporting, procurement, contract management, scheduling, briefing suppliers, and managing quality and delivery.
• Understanding of The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti, Te Reo Māori and Māori customs and protocols would be beneficial.
• Understanding of Pacific communities, cultures and customs would be beneficial.
• Proven ability to work as part of a team, internally and externally.

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:

To be considered for this position at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade you must be a NZ citizen, for 10 years. 

You must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret 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 Top Secret clearance. Please note that this tool is not part of the formal security clearance process: 

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 Friday, 31 October 2025.

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.