Policy Adviser, Security and Foreign Policy - Washington DC

Policy Adviser (Political and National Security) – Washington DC

• Opportunity for a high performing and motivated team player with relevant experience to join the Political Team at the New Zealand Embassy in Washington, D.C.

• A varied, fast-paced and engaging role blending bilateral engagement and national security policy, working with one of New Zealand’s closest and most important partners, the United States.

About the role  - Kōrero mō te tūranga

This role is part of the Political Team at the New Zealand Embassy in Washington DC. The Political Team is responsible for foreign, defence and national security policy at the Embassy, and plays an important role managing the US-New Zealand bilateral relationship and tracking US domestic political developments. This role will require you to:

• Bring a sense of intellectual rigour and curiosity as you regularly report on political and national security issues relevant to the New Zealand-US relationship. This role will have a particular focus on supporting the Embassy’s engagement with Congress, and will also have responsibility for engaging the US on issues at the intersection of national security, foreign policy, and emerging technologies.
• Develop and maintain a wide range of contacts across the US Government and Congress, the DC diplomatic corps and US think-tanks, civil society groups and industry representatives.
• Support incoming visits of New Zealand Ministers and senior officials, as well as engagements in the US for the Ambassador, Deputy Head of Mission, Political Counsellor and other colleagues.
• Represent the Embassy at diplomatic and other relevant events.
• Play a role in the Embassy’s public diplomacy and social media.

The salary range for this role is US$81,151 to US$109,793 – negotiable depending on skills and experience.

The Embassy provides a comprehensive health insurance package and 20 days of paid vacation per year. 

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

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

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a policy role inside or outside of government
• Experience with work on New Zealand’s national security and/or foreign policy interests
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated advocacy and influencing skills
• Well-developed planning and organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise tasks effectively and work under pressure
• A strong achievement/delivery focus – sets high standards including accuracy and with attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships and work within a team
• Ability to work autonomously and within guidelines, demonstrating the use of sound judgement
• Ability to anticipate issues and problems and think of solutions

The successful candidate must be able to obtain the right to live and work in the United States. The New Zealand Embassy can support an application for an A2 visa, which is subject to a 5 year limit. This is a locally employed position, with terms and conditions being set in accordance with US employment regulations. No offshore allowance or transfer allowance applies. 

About us - Mō mātou 

Our people represent New Zealand on and offshore, and in doing so help to make New Zealanders safer and more prosperous.  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. 

Why work for us?

The New Zealand Embassy leads New Zealand’s engagement in Washington D.C. with the United States, a critical national security partner. You will be at the heart of the US-New Zealand relationship. This role offers an exciting array of opportunities working within a supportive environment as a new member of one MFAT’s biggest offshore missions.

We focus on providing good leadership and fostering talent, including through training and development. 

We value diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive culture where everyone feels supported, valued, and has a sense of belonging.  We welcome applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds. 

To Apply/Interested - Me pēhea te tuku tono

For a copy of the position description please click here.

To apply, please email your CV and Cover Letter to Washington Recruitment at WSHRecruitment@mfat.govt.nz.

Please DO NOT use the ‘Apply with Seek’ or ‘Apply’ buttons on this advertisement. Only applications that have been emailed to the above address will be considered.

You MUST be a New Zealand Citizen and able to obtain and maintain an appropriate New Zealand Government National Security clearance.

Applications close at midnight NZ time on Friday 21st November 2025. 

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