Senior Adviser Capability

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 Adviser, Capability

• Build workforce capability and enable high performance across a global organisation
• Help shape the future of learning and development in NZ's foreign service
• Permanent, full-time opportunity based in Wellington

About the role - Korero mo te turanga

As a Senior Adviser, Capability, you'll play a key role in designing, delivering, and evaluating learning initiatives that build workforce capability, support cultural transformation, and enable high performance. You'll work across MFAT's onshore and offshore network to ensure learning solutions are aligned with business needs and future capability requirements.

This is a hands-on role, ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, complex environment and enjoys collaborating with diverse stakeholders.

Key duties include:

• Lead the design and development of learning programmes, including leadership development and capability uplift.
• Apply adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies to create engaging learning experiences.
• Facilitate workshops, webinars, and blended learning sessions.
• Evaluate learning outcomes and continuously improve programme effectiveness.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and external providers to co-design and deliver high-quality learning solutions.
• Contribute to initiatives that support organisational culture, values, and employee experience.

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

The full salary range for this role is $106,973 to $144,727 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution.

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

We'd like to hear from you if you are an experienced Senior Adviser with the following skills and experience:

• Proven experience in implementing learning and development programmes within medium to large organisations with diverse capability requirements.
• Strong understanding of capability frameworks, adult learning principles, and digital learning tools.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience in project and change management methodologies.
• High emotional intelligence and resilience.
• A tertiary qualification in Human Resources, Organisational Development, or a related field.
• Understanding of The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti, Te Reo Maori and Maori customs and protocols would be beneficial.

Why MFAT? - Nga hua o te mahi i te Manatu 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 - Mo matou

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 pehea te tuku tono

Apply today with your CV and cover letter. Please send any questions to

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:

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 6pm on Thursday 20th November 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.