Policy Adviser (Trade) - NZ Embassy in Washington DC

Policy Adviser (Trade) - New Zealand Embassy in Washington DC

• Opportunity for a high performing and motivated team player with relevant experience to support the trade and economic team at the New Zealand Embassy in Washington DC
• A varied, fast paced and engaging role supporting engagement with one of New Zealand’s closest and most important bilateral partners, the United States.
• Fixed term of three years.

About the role  - Kōrero mō te tūranga 

This new role will be part of the trade team at the New Zealand Embassy in Washington DC. This role will require you to:

• Bring a sense of intellectual rigour and curiosity to regular reporting across a wide range of trade and economic issues that are of importance and relevance for the New Zealand-US relationship.
• 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 NZ Ministers and senior officials, as well as engagements in the US for the Ambassador, Deputy Head of Mission, Trade Counsellor and other relevant colleagues.
• Represent the Embassy at diplomatic and other relevant events.
• Play a role in the Embassy’s public diplomacy work and social media engagement.

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.  

The role will be available from October 2025 and ideally the appointee will be available to commence their employment by November 2025 at the latest. The role is for a fixed term of three years.

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

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

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a policy role inside or outside of government
• Experience with work on international trade policy would be an advantage
• Well-developed planning and organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise tasks effectively and work under pressure
• Possess a strong achievement/delivery focus – sets high standards including accuracy and with attention to detail
• Excellent written and oral communication skills 
• Strong customer focus
• 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 have the right to live and work in the United States. The New Zealand Embassy is able to 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 off-shore allowance or transfer allowance applies. 

Why MFAT? - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Aorere

We are committed to a focus on leadership, talent, training and development. 

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

About us - Mō mātou

Our people represent New Zealand on and offshore, and in doing so 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. 

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.

To be considered for this position at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade you must be a NZ citizen or Permanent Resident. 

You must be able to obtain and maintain a Confidential security clearance. Ordinarily, to obtain this level of clearance candidates must have sufficient checkable background in countries where meaningful and reliable checks can be undertaken. Where requisite checks are unable to be made, the candidate application may not be able to be progressed.

Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a Confidential clearance. Please note that this tool is not part of the formal security clearance process: http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool

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.

Let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Applications close at midnight NZ time on Wednesday, 1 October 2025.