Verification Officer

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Deliver specialist verification activities to support robust visa decisions
• Provide advice to visa decision makers on risk management strategies
• Salary range: $22,400 - $33,600 TOP| Nuku’alofa based | Locally engaged

Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:

The Verification Officer role is part of a global network that supports immigration decisions. Working closely with Immigration Officers and other Immigration New Zealand teams you will act as an expert and provide advice for internal clients.

Utilising strong investigative techniques, you will be responsible for determining the authenticity of information presented and advise on immigration related decisions accordingly. Strong analytical skills and the ability to make timely, informed communications will be essential to be successful in this role.

Working collaboratively with external agencies, with New Zealand and with other offshore staff you will develop strong professional relationships to leverage positive and timely immigration related outcomes. 

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana -

Skills and Experience Required
 

• Previous verification experience.
• Previous experience in geographic market analysis and risk management.
• Knowledge of visa processing and border operations.
• Strong interviewing techniques.
• Working knowledge of fraud trends and verification techniques.
• Experience working in a regulatory environment.
• Experience with stakeholder engagement.
• Experience or interest in some or all of the areas noted above.
• English language skills essential. Additional language skills desirable.

For New Zealand based applicants and recent expatriate New Zealanders, if you are interested in this role, you are encouraged to explore any possible New Zealand tax implications, including whether the Government Service Rule applies to you.

At time of application, you must have the legal right to live and work in Tonga.  You will be hired as a locally engaged staff member under the employment laws of Tonga. There will be no assistance with additional living expenses or relocation costs.

Ētahi kōrero mō MBIE - About 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 ahungaroa o ngāi wi, o ngāi Māori, me ētahi atu rōpū Māori ki te Karauna, katutuki 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 kaupapakua 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.

Me pēhea te tono - How to Apply:

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 Nik Sharma at nikhil.sharma@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/18943 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on Friday, 30 January 2026