Senior Development Adviser - Fixed Term contract

About the role 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 tonutangamo Aotearoa whanui. Lead activity design and business case development Strengthen design processes and guidance Deliver high-quality development outcomes Wellington based - 2 x Fixed Term contracts (Secondment for internal candidates) Shape how New Zealand design and delivers development investments. Key responsibilities Leading business case development and activity design using the Five Case Model and intervention logic Partnering with bilateral and regional teams to translate Concept Notes into robust, approvable investments Strengthening system performance by supporting the development of guidance, templates, and design standards Supporting consistent application of design processes and frameworks Supporting procurement, contracting, and implementation readiness Contributing to monitoring, evaluation, and learning, ensuring evidence informs decisions Managing technical services and panels to support high-quality design Compensation 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.We are looking for 2 x Fixed Term Contractors From ASAP - August 2028. From end of October 2026 - June 2027. Who are we looking for? Experience in international development and programme design, including business case development. Strong working knowledge of government investment frameworks (e.g. Five Case Model) and design tools (e.g. theory of change, results-based management). Experience contributing to complex policy initiatives or investment planning within a public sector context. The ability to improve processes and drive efficiency. Well-developed influencing skills, including across agencies or partners. Sound judgement, political nous, and an understanding of machinery of government processes. Good understanding of international development policy frameworks and sector strategies. Capable in strategic risk analysis, performance evaluation, and partner engagement. Understanding of The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti, Te Reo Māori and Māori customs and protocols would be beneficial. Why MFAT? 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 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 NewZealand's interests and pursue NewZealand's values. We provide advice to the Government on the implications for NewZealand of what is happening in the world. 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. Applications close at midnight onMonday, 17August2026. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr