Lead Technical Advisor

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Lead system-level improvements to prevent trafficking and people smuggling

Provide expert advice and drive domestic and international initiatives

Collaborate across agencies to deliver a dynamic, multi-partner work programme

Salary range from $132,417 - $160,472

As a Lead Technical Advisor, Trafficking in Persons and Irregular Migration, you will develop the capability, capacity and system-level improvements in aid of MBIE's commitment and obligations to prevent trafficking in persons and people smuggling.

You will be responsible for providing technical advice and leading projects and initiatives to support Aotearoa New Zealand's activities domestically and internationally.

The team works with partners across MBIE and externally to support and progress initiatives within a multifaceted work programme.

The team are a dynamic, highly-motivated and currently sit within Immigration New Zealand's Refugee and Migrant Services Branch.

We are looking for people who are :

Committed to the prevention and disruption of people trafficking, people smuggling and transnational organised crime.

Exceptional communicators, both written and verbal.

Strong relationship-builders across a range of stakeholders.

Organised and delivery-focused with a strong understanding of the machinery of government.

Committed to building and maintaining a strong team culture.

Skills and Experience Required

To be successful in this role, you will need to be able to demonstrate that you have experience in, or have the qualities that would enable you to successfully perform, the following tasks :

Extensive experience working with senior officials in an advisory capacity.

Working understanding of the machinery of government.

Relevant, applicable experience in matters related to national security, and organised crime, including trafficking and smuggling.

Legal or policy background or strong understanding of legislative frameworks.

A demonstrated ability to quickly establish and build professional working relationships of trust and confidence with external stakeholders.

High degree of problem-solving ability, identify issues, risk, strategies, and solutions.

The ability to adapt to a dynamic environment and openness to learning.

Motivation and drive to see projects through to conclusion and work at a fast pace.

Ability to gain and maintain a national security clearance to a Top-Secret level is required.

Applicants must be either a New Zealand citizen or hold a New Zealand permanent resident visa.

You must also have the ability to gain and maintain a nation security clearance to a Top-Secret Level (check your eligibility here )

MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders.

We do this by working with others to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities and by working to ensure quality housing is more affordable.

People are at the heart of our mahi, our way of working is guided by our values which shape our behaviours.

Maia– Bold and brave

Pae Kahurangi – Build our Future

Our aspirations are echoed in our Maori identity – Hikina Whakatutuki – which broadly means 'lifting to make successful'.

MBIE recognises the partnership founded under TeTiritio Waitangi between Maori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to TeTiritio Waitangi.

We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Maori, other Maori groups / organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Maori and for wider Aotearoa New Zealand.

We are committed to continuing to partner with iwi in order to find new sustainable solutions to address long standing systemic and cross-cutting issues facing Maori and wider Aotearoa New Zealand and we are also committed to identifying opportunities for iwi to lead and creating an enabling environment for iwi to leverage these opportunities.

When you are ready to apply please send a CV and cover letter telling us why you're the perfect fit for this role.

All applications must be submitted via our online process.

Applications close on Friday 26 September 2025 at 11.59pm.

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