Principal Adviser - Language Capability

Are you passionate about building workforce capability and enabling high performance across a globally connected organisation? Join MFAT as a Principal Adviser – Language Capability and help shape the future of learning and development in New Zealand’s foreign service.

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

As Principal Adviser – Language Capability, you’ll play a key role in leading the implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of language capability frameworks, policies, programmes and standards relating to the development of foreign language capability in MFAT’s workforce.

The role is responsible for implementing the language capability initiative operationalizing policy and procedural changes, maximizing return on language learning investments, and enhancing the ability to capture and use language related data.

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

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the language capability initiative implementation


• Establish a comprehensive language capability dataset to support workforce planning, investment decisions and organisational capability reporting


• Language capability programme leadership – including establishing clear expectations and guidance for managers and staff participating in language training programmes


• Investment management – identify opportunities to improve value for money and achieve efficiencies across language capability investments


• Monitoring and reporting – prepare progress reports for senior leaders and governance groups


• Manage key relationships – including establishing and managing a Language Capability Investment Group.

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

The full salary range for this role is $129,969 and $175,835 total remuneration, inclusive of KiwiSaver employer contribution.

This is a fixed term or secondment opportunity until 30 June 2027.

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

• Expert knowledge of language capability development principles and practice


• Strong understanding of adult learning, capability development and organisational learning


• Demonstrated ability to translate strategic intent into practical delivery


• Highly developed analytical and problem-solving skills


• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills


• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and build trusted relationships


• Relevant tertiary qualification in education, languages, organisational development, human resources, adult learning or a related discipline


• Understanding of The Treaty of Waitangi /Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application within the New Zealand public sector would be beneficial.

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 contact [email protected].

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.

Applications close at 11:59pm on Monday, 17 August 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.