Policy Adviser - Ottawa

We are looking for a locally employed Policy Adviser to join the New Zealand High Commission team in Ottawa 

About the role – Kōrero mō te tūranga

This is an exciting and varied role you will be responsible for reporting and advocating on areas of key strategic interest for New Zealand’s foreign, security and economic policy.

The ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders will be key to your success. We are looking for a team-player with a can-do attitude.

The full salary range for this role is C$72,780 - 98,466. Appointment within this range will depend on skills and experience.

This is a unique opportunity to pursue and promote New Zealand’s interests in Canada and pursue and promote closer New Zealand-Canada relations

Who are we looking for? – Mā wai te mahi nei?

We’d like to hear from you if you have the following skills and experience:

• Tertiary qualification as a minimum and 2-5 years relevant work experience in policy development
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to build, maintain and leverage effective relationships
• Ability to contribute to and work flexibly within a small team

You must have the right to live and work in Canada to apply for this role. The successful applicant will be employed under Canadian terms and conditions.

About us - Mō mātou

Our small High Commission team represents New Zealand in Canada, with the overall aim of making New Zealanders safer and more prosperous. We do this by building connections with and influencing other countries and international institutions, we advance New Zealand’s interests and pursue New Zealand's values.  We provide advice to the Government on the implications for New Zealand of what is happening in the world.

To Apply/Interested? - Me pēhea te tuku tono

If the successful candidate has worked or lived in New Zealand and are subsequently employed as locally engaged staff in a New Zealand Government Embassy or High Commission, they may, subject to individual circumstances, have New Zealand Tax Residency obligations and be considered as On Government Service by New Zealand Inland Revenue (IRD). We strongly advise any applicant, who may be in this situation, to discuss their tax residency status with the IRD and determine any potential personal tax obligations to IRD.  

For a copy of the position description please see here

To apply, please email your CV and Cover Letter to: info@nzhcottawa.org

Applications close at midnight (Ottawa time) on Monday 18 May 2026.