Senior Advisor Refugee and Migrant Support

Overview

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) invites applications for a Senior Advisor role within the Refugee and Migrant Support (RMS) team, located in Auckland or Wellington. This full-time 12-month fixed-term opportunity is ideal for professionals committed to enhancing refugee and migrant settlement outcomes in New Zealand.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, assist, and design initiatives that improve the settlement experiences of refugees and migrants.
• Continuously monitor trends, events, and relevant issues impacting the refugee and migrant settlement environment.
• Offer expert advice and analysis to facilitate informed decision-making processes.
• Develop high-quality advice, briefing documents, and responses aligned with operational and strategic priorities.
• Identify and implement improvements to existing processes, systems, and ways of working.
• Collaborate extensively with internal and external stakeholders including INZ, MBIE, partner agencies, and community groups.
• Engage meaningfully with communities and partner organizations throughout New Zealand.

Required Skills and Experience

• Strong understanding of New Zealand's refugee and migrant settlement landscape.
• Excellent analytical and written communication skills capable of producing high-quality advice for senior decision-makers.
• Proven operational experience including evaluation and enhancement of projects or initiatives.
• Ability to navigate complex, ambiguous, and dynamic environments effectively.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills demonstrating credibility, collaborative influence, expectation management, and persuasive communication.
• Familiarity with New Zealand's government machinery and protocols.
• Commitment to a positive, constructive team environment focused on achieving the best outcomes for refugees and migrants in New Zealand.

Eligibility

Candidates must hold either New Zealand citizenship or a New Zealand Permanent Resident visa to be considered for the role.

About MBIE

The Ministry aims to foster a resilient and high-performing New Zealand economy that enhances the quality of life for all citizens by supporting business productivity, employment opportunities, and housing affordability.

MBIE's working culture is guided by values such as collaboration (Mahi Tahi – Better Together), courage (Māia – Bold and brave), future-focusing (Pae Kahurangi – Build our Future), and accountability (Pono Me Te Tika – Own It).

MBIE honors the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi through meaningful partnerships with Māori and iwi, striving to address long-standing systemic challenges and promote economic and social development for both Māori and wider New Zealand communities.