Trade Commissioner - Pacific

·         Partnerships focused Lead role

·         3-year International Diplomatic posting based in Suva, Fiji

·         Drive economic growth of New Zealand exports in the Pacific

This is a Suva, Fiji based role

Who we are:  Ko Te Taurapa Tūhono tēnei

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) works with some of New Zealand's most innovative and forward-thinking companies, helping them grow internationally. Our people are based in 47 offices, working across 24 time zones and 40 languages to support New Zealand businesses in over 100 countries.

The Trade Commissioner role is one of NZTE’s most important roles globally. This role is an exciting opportunity to bring your wealth of Pacific business experience to help deliver great commercial outcomes for New Zealand companies across the Pacific.

This role is based in Suva, Fiji as Fiji is New Zealand’s largest trading partner in the Pacific; however, the role will cover whole of the Pacific.

What you will be doing: Te whakamahere

This is a complex role that requires someone to build partnerships in the region and build an understanding of the local markets and people, providing in-market connections and advice that will enable NZTE customers to navigate Pacific markets successfully and build the profile of New Zealand exports. You will represent New Zealand at relevant business events, and you will play an important role in implementing NZTE’s strategic priorities across the Pacific.

This role is the leader of a small team and our most senior NZTE representative in the Pacific, therefore requires a pragmatic approach. You will be supported by, and report to our Regional Director, Australia Pacific (AusPac), and work closely with our dynamic AusPac leadership team.

This is a hands-on role with huge variety.  Critical to success will be the ability to work closely and productively with other NZ agencies working in the Pacific – most notably with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade representatives in each Pacific nation.  With any number of new opportunities available across the Pacific, you will also be well organised and have strong decision-making skills to manage and direct resources to deliver the best results possible.

What you will need to be successful: Ō Pūkenga

We are looking for someone who is agile, pragmatic, with a commercial mind set and passion for growing New Zealand businesses. You will also be able to effectively balance commercial imperatives with the unique economic and cultural needs of Pacific nations. The position is complex, and the right candidate will be able to operate resiliently at a high level and maintain line of sight across multiple moving parts while also seeing where they should go deep to support the overall success of the mission goals in the Pacific.  At a personal level, your ability (and your family’s ability) to embrace the unique aspects of living in a Pacific island country will also be essential.   

With your understanding of the local environment and other trends that influence business operations, you will be comfortable having strategic conversations with companies up to board level; with senior government and political leaders; and be secure at operating in a culturally diverse and multi-layered ecosystem. You will have exceptional relationship and influencing skills and be a confident and credible communicator.

Why you will love working here:  Nau mai ki Te Taurapa Tūhono

You will love this role if you are looking to diversify your career by building your knowledge of other sectors and gaining exposure to the public sector. You will be passionate about representing your country and working alongside a highly committed team who want to make a difference to New Zealand. You will love leading, making connections, building relationships, and working collaboratively with our partners. This is a fantastic opportunity to join and be part of the senior leadership team setting NZTE’s strategy for the Pacific.

What’s next: Te ara ki tua

For more information, please read the Position Description and if this sounds like your next career move, apply online. Applications closes 30 March 11:59pm NZT

Before applying, please review the notes below regarding eligibility for this role.

·       Our successful candidate must hold NZ Citizenship.

·       This is an international posting with a minimum duration of 3 years. The preferred candidate will be subject to a number of vetting processes, including NZ national security clearance.

People who work with classified information and resources that could affect New Zealand's security need a national security clearance.  Please use this self-check tool below to find out if you might be eligible to apply for a national security clearance: Eligibility self-check tool | Protective Security Requirements

Please note: The results are a guide only. If eligible, the official vetting process will still need to be completed. If you're not eligible, the factors that may contribute to this result will be provided.

We believe New Zealand is good for the World.  New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is an equal opportunity employer.  At NZTE it is all about our people and we seek diversity of though; we welcome and encourage you to apply regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, neurodiversity or disability.  If we need to make specific accommodations in any part of the interview process, please note this in your application or discuss with the Talent Acquisition team.