HR Business Partner at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

22 Apr, 26

Salary

149902.0

Posted On

22 Jan, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Human Resources, Strategic Thinking, Employment Relations, Communication Skills, Relationship Building, Coaching, Mentoring, Advisory Skills, Change Management, Performance Management, Workforce Planning, Risk Management, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Reo Māori, Māori Customs, Organizational Development

Industry

International Affairs

Description

Provide strategic and practical people advice to Ministry leaders Lead and influence key people initiatives and programmes of work Permanent role, based in Wellington A senior advisory role partnering with leaders across MFAT to support effective people decision‑making. About the role – Kōrero mō te tūranga We’re looking for an experienced Human Resources Business Partner to provide trusted, strategic people advice across a portfolio of MFAT business groups. This is an influential role within the People Division, partnering with leaders onshore and offshore to ensure people‑related decisions are consistent, practical, and aligned with MFAT’s long‑term direction. You’ll work closely with senior leaders to understand their strategic context, identify capability and capacity needs, and provide advice across workforce planning, change, performance, and other core people matters. You’ll also lead or contribute to Ministry‑wide people processes — such as performance management, remuneration, and strategic initiatives — ensuring they are well‑designed, well‑communicated, and well‑supported. As a key member of the Business Partnering Unit, you’ll coach and support advisers across the People Division, share expertise, and help embed high‑quality, consistent partnering practice. You’ll also collaborate with specialist teams across the People Division to provide integrated and timely support to leaders. This is a varied role with strong strategic, advisory, and relationship‑management components — ideal for someone who enjoys influencing at senior levels and contributing to meaningful organisational outcomes. To view the full position description, click here. The appointing range for this role is between $127,417 to midpoint of $149,902 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution. Appointment within this range will depend on your level of experience. Who we’re looking for – Mā wai te mahi nei? We’re keen to hear from candidates who bring: Extensive HR experience, including leading significant people‑related programmes or strategies Previous business partnering experience supporting senior leaders or executive teams Strong understanding of employment relations and HR best practice The ability to think strategically and translate organisational goals into practical people solutions Excellent communication skills and confidence providing advice across complex issues Strong relationship‑building skills and the ability to influence with credibility Experience coaching and mentoring others, with a collaborative and inclusive working style Sound judgement, resilience, and the ability to balance risk and pragmatism Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Reo Māori, and Māori customs and protocols would be beneficial The People Division has recently implemented a new structure to better align our work with future priorities. As part of this, several new opportunities have emerged for talented people to join us and help shape the next phase of our work. 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. 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 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: http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process. If you have questions about applying, you may email recruitment@mfat.govt.nz Applications close at 9:00pm on Sunday 8th February, 2026. 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.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic and practical people advice to Ministry leaders and lead key people initiatives. Partner with leaders to ensure people-related decisions are aligned with MFAT’s long-term direction.