17th July, 2026
About the role:
The Principal Advisor, Partnerships is responsible for leading the facilitation of the Ministry’s relationships and collaboration with communities, agencies and stakeholders in the region. They help influence and inform the development and implementation of policy and initiatives that support the Ministry’s strategic direction.
About you:
You will bring senior advisor or principal-level Public Sector experience, a sound grasp of the machinery of government, and the credibility to advise ELT and the Minister's office. This is an outward-facing role — you'll be a trusted face of the Ministry in our communities, equally at home alongside community leaders as with decision-makers, making community voice meaningful to government from day one.
You will bring:
- Deep Pacific cultural capability — knowledge of and commitment to Pacific communities, cultures, values and protocols, with the confidence to provide cultural advice at the most senior levels and to engage in ways that reflect Pacific worldviews and diversity.
- Exceptional relationship and stakeholder skills — you'll be out in the community building and sustaining trusted relationships with Pacific communities, leaders and organisations, and connecting with peers across government agencies and other sectors to advance outcomes for Pacific peoples.
- Community engagement expertise — you're skilled at facilitating community meetings, running workshops and delivering presentations, and at capturing and converting community insights into themes and advice that genuinely influence policy, programmes and decision-making.
- Senior-level advisory and writing skills — you'll prepare high-quality advice, reports and briefings for Directors, ELT and the Minister's office, making complex issues clear, accurate and compelling.
- The ability to lead from insight through to implementation — you'll shape and drive new initiatives and manage multiple priorities to tight deadlines, keeping the right people informed and involved along the way.
- Sound judgement and resilience — you understand risk, gather insight from a range of sources, involve the right people in decisions, and remain calm and constructive under pressure.
Why join us? We're more than just a workplace; we're a community that cares about you. When you choose to work with us, you're choosing a career that offers not only health insurance and family friendly policies, but also a supportive environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally. Whilst the work can be challenging, you will be rewarded by contributing to better outcomes for Pacific Peoples.
Our Organisation – Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP) The Ministry for Pacific Peoples is the government’s principal advisor on policies and interventions aimed at improving outcomes for Pacific peoples in New Zealand. Here at the Ministry, we believe in the power of diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. We're excited to embrace the unique perspectives and talents of our current and future team members, as they are the driving force behind our constant quest for innovation. Overall, we aim to achieve our strategic goals and make a positive impact that benefits our Pacific communities. E hiranga ana te wāhi ki a mātou, ki te tautoko i te Karauna i ana hononga ki ngā Iwi Māori i raro i te Tiriti o Waitangi. As Tangata te Tiriti, we have an important role in supporting the Government in its relationships with Māori under the Treaty of Waitangi and te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Our workplace culture is all about creating an environment where everyone feels involved, respected, and connected to the Pacific communities we serve in New Zealand. We are guided by Pacific values: Ola fetufaaki (Reciprocity), Tāpuakiga (Spirituality), Soalaupule (Consensus), Piri’anga (Collectivism), Fakalilifu (Respect), Magafaoa (Family), and Aro’a (Love). This isn't just good for our fantastic employees; it's a win-win for our Pacific People too. Come join us in building a brighter future together!
Interested? - How to apply Please complete an online application form by clicking ‘Apply’ below or through our careers site at www.mpp.govt.nz.
If you would like more information, please email recruitment@mpp.govt.nz
To see a copy of the job description please copy and paste the link below.
https://www.mpp.govt.nz/assets/People-Culture/New-JD-links/Principal-Advisor-Partnerships.pdf
Closing date:
Monday 3 August 2026, 5pm.
We will be assessing applications as they come in, so please apply early!
Please note: Applicants need to have a right to work in New Zealand with a valid visa
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