Senior Advisor Refugee and Migrant Support

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Lead and support and design settlement initiatives that improve outcomes for refugees and migrants
• Monitor emerging trends, events, and issues across the refugee and migrant settlement landscape
• Provide expert advice, guidance, and analysis to support effective decision-making
• Full-time, 12-month fixed-term opportunity
• Salary range: $101,911–$121,196 | Auckland or Wellington based

About the Role - Tēnei tūranga:

At Immigration New Zealand (INZ) we are proud of our critical role in both growing and protecting New Zealand. As the strategic environment has evolved so has our strategy, as we maintain an unwavering focus on being a trusted steward of the immigration system. 

We're seeking a talented Senior Advisor to join our team within Refugee and Migrant Support (RMS).  We are seeking individuals committed to making a difference for refugees and migrants as they settle in New Zealand.  We welcome individuals who enjoy being part of a team that seek solutions through engagement with community, stakeholders and partners and an ability to analyse global, national and local contexts to contribute to a shared work programme.
 
In this role, you will:

• Provide subject matter guidance, and advice to support informed decision-making
• Develop high-quality advice, briefings, and responses that support operational and strategic priorities
• Lead and support the development, implementation, and review of settlement projects and initiatives
• Monitor emerging trends, events, and internal initiatives that may impact refugees, migrants, and settlement outcomes
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, systems, and ways of working
• Collaborate with stakeholders across INZ, MBIE, communities, and partner agencies to address gaps and support shared priorities
• Engage with communities, key stakeholders, and partners across New Zealand

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana -

Skills and Experience Required
 

• Strong understanding of New Zealand’s refugee and migrant settlement landscape
• Strong analytical and writing skills with the ability to prepare high quality advice for Senior decision makers
• Operational experience, including the ability to analyse, review, and improve projects or initiatives
• Proven ability to navigate ambiguity and work effectively in complex, dynamic environments
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including credibility, collaborative influence, expectation management, and targeted persuasion
• A working knowledge of the machinery of government
• Positive and constructive approach, with a commitment to contributing to a team focused on supporting the best outcomes for refugees and migrants in New Zealand

To be eligible for the role you will need to hold either a New Zealand citizenship or a New Zealand Permanent Resident visa.
 

About MBIE - Ētahi kōrero mō MBIE:

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.

• Mahi Tahi – Better Together
• Māia – Bold and brave
• Pae Kahurangi – Build our Future
• Pono Me Te Tika – Own It

Our aspirations are echoed in our Māori identity – Hīkina Whakatutuki – which broadly means ‘lifting to make successful'.

MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Māori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Māori, other Māori groups/organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Māori 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 Māori 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.

E mōhio ana a Hīkina Whakatutuki i puea ake te kōtuinga I waenganui i a ngāi Māori me te Karauna i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ā, kei te whai ia ki te whakaū ake i Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Mā te whai kiko o ngā kōtuinga ahunga roa o ngā iwi, o ngāi Māori, me ētahi atu rōpū Māori ki te Karauna, ka tutuki tēnei. He āhuatanga nui tēnei e āhei ai ngā mahi whanaketanga ā-ohanga, ā-pāpori hoki ki a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui. E whai tonu ana mātou ki te kōtui atu ki ngā iwi mō te rapu huarahi hou ki te whakaara i ngā kaupapa kua roa nei e tāmi ana i a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui, ā, e whai ana hoki ki te tautohu i ngā āheinga kōkiritanga mā ngā iwi, me te tautoko i ngā iwi kia whai mana ake ai ēnei āheinga.

How to Apply - Me pēhea te tono:

Click here to view a position description. 

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.

We can't wait to hear from you!

Email Emily Boyd at emily.boyd@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/19925 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on Friday 21 August 2026 at 11.59pm.