Policy Adviser - Los Angeles

Join the New Zealand Consulate-General in Los Angeles as a Policy Adviser, working as part of a small team highly motivated to deliver on New Zealand’s diplomatic goals through our relationship with the Western States of the United States.

• Work in Santa Monica, Los Angeles advancing New Zealand’s interests with one of its most important partners
• Dynamic and varied work across twelve Western States of the United States
• Be part of a supportive, collegial and highly motivated team

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

The Policy Adviser is responsible for contributing to the advancement of New Zealand’s foreign policy and trade/economic interests by supporting the Consulate-General’s engagement with government officials, local contacts, and the business sector.

The Policy Adviser’s responsibilities will include:

• Media monitoring, research, and analysis
• Regular reporting of insights on key developments and emerging trends in the Western States of the United States of interest and relevance to New Zealand audiences
• Stakeholder engagement and networking to advance New Zealand's diplomatic and trade/economic interests
• Supporting official visits and events
• Preparing social media content
• Speech writing
• Contributing to the Consulate’s emergency response and consular work, including being on call on a rostered basis

To find out more please read the position description click here.

The appointment range for this role is US$75,320 to US$85,805 total remuneration – negotiable depending on experience.

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

• A high standard tertiary qualification in a relevant field (e.g. international relations, economics, law)
• Relevant work experience
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Self-motivated worker who can show initiative
• A can-do attitude is necessary for working in a small team   
• Values alignment – we value integrity, impact, high-performance, and collegiality

The successful candidate must have the right to work in the United States. The New Zealand Consulate-General is able to support an application for an A2 visa, which is subject to a five year limit. The preferred candidate would be a New Zealand Citizen or Dual National or a US Permanent Resident and able to obtain and maintain an appropriate New Zealand Government Security clearance.

This is a locally employed position, with terms and conditions being set in accordance with US employment regulations. No offshore allowance or transfer/relocation allowance applies.

Note: If the successful candidate has worked or lived in New Zealand and is 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. We advise any applicant who may be in this situation to discuss their tax residency status with the New Zealand Inland Revenue (IRD) and determine any potential personal tax obligations to IRD.

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

We are committed to a focus on leadership, talent, training and development, and flexible work options.  Check out our benefits page to find out more about why we love working here.

MFAT is Rainbow Tick accredited. 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

To apply, please download, complete and send along with your CV and Cover Letter to nzcg.la@mfat.net.

Applications that do not come by email to the email address above will not be considered – so please do not click the ‘apply’ button on this advert.

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

Applications close at midnight (New Zealand time) on Monday 4 August, 2025.