Principal Adviser Industrial Relations and Policy 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

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Industrial Relations, Collective Bargaining, Employment Legislation, Case Law, HR Policy Development, Strategic Advice, Relationship Building, Influencing Skills, Written Communication, Verbal Communication, Judgement, Risk Awareness, Solutions-Focused Mindset, Collaboration, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Reo Māori

Industry

International Affairs

Description

Lead MFAT’s Industrial Relations strategy and collective bargaining approach Lead HR policy development and union-employer relationships Permanent role, based in Wellington A senior advisory role responsible for shaping Industrial Relations strategy and leading MFAT’s approach to HR policy and employment law matters. About the role – Kōrero mō te tūranga We’re looking for an experienced Industrial Relations specialist to lead MFAT’s approach to Industrial Relations (IR) and HR policy development. This is a senior role within the People Division, responsible for managing key union relationships, leading collective bargaining processes, and ensuring MFAT’s HR policies are clear, compliant, and fit for purpose. You’ll provide strategic and technical advice to leaders across the Ministry’s global network, helping them navigate complex IR and policy matters. You’ll also work collaboratively with colleagues across the People Division — including HR Business Partners and the People Advisory and ER team — to support consistent practice, build capability, and ensure alignment with MFAT’s wider people strategy. A core part of the role includes leading the development and review of HR policies, monitoring legislative developments, and ensuring MFAT’s people practices reflect best‑practice standards. This role offers the opportunity to influence system‑wide practice, contribute to key organisational decisions, and support a constructive and effective Industrial Relations environment. 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 experience in Industrial Relations, including leading collective bargaining Strong understanding of employment legislation, case law, and IR/ER best practice Experience developing and delivering HR or ER policy, frameworks, or guidance Ability to provide clear, strategic, and pragmatic advice on complex issues Strong relationship‑building skills and influencing skills, including the ability to work confidently with unions and senior leaders Excellent written and verbal communication skills Sound judgement, risk awareness, and a solutions‑focused mindset Experience working collaboratively across teams 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 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: 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

Lead MFAT’s Industrial Relations strategy and collective bargaining approach while managing key union relationships. Develop and review HR policies, ensuring compliance and alignment with best practices.