Counterproliferation Adviser

• Contribute to a team that regulates the export of strategic and military end use goods
• Collaborate with multiple government agencies
• Provide advice to New Zealand businesses that export a diverse range of dual-use and military technologies

An exciting opportunity to help regulate the movement of strategic and military use goods across New Zealand’s borders, working with other government agencies and likeminded partners. This role is permanent and Wellington-based.

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

The Counter Proliferation and Export Controls Adviser provides policy advice, guidance and implementation on issues associated with export controls (including brokering), international export control regimes, counterproliferation, foreign interference, and diplomatic clearances for ships and aircraft. These issues are increasingly complex and of growing interest to the New Zealand government, public, and business community. In your role you will liaise with divisions and posts across the Ministry's diplomatic network and will also work closely with other government agencies, New Zealand exporters, businesses and academia, as well as offshore counterparts and the international export control regimes of which New Zealand is a member.

• Exercise delegated export controls approval authority
• Provide advice concerning measures to ensure that NZ's domestic export controls regime remains fit for purpose and responds to international developments
• Maintain close contact with other NZ agencies relating to export controls, including advice and assessment assistance with respect to dual-use technologies
• Conduct outreach to the New Zealand business and research community and represent New Zealand internationally at export control regime meetings
• Support the implementation of the new export control legislation

For more detail you can view a copy of the position description here.

The full salary range for this role is $89,601 to $121,225 in total remuneration, with a midpoint of $105,412. This includes our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution. Placement within the range will depend on the candidate’s skills and experience.

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

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

• Tertiary level qualification or equivalent relevant experience
• A strong level of technical expertise in weapons and dual-use technologies and their operational deployment
• Understanding of the international political and security situation, and the implications for export controls and counter-proliferation
• Ability to think strategically and navigate sensitive political environments
• Experience in the development of complex and innovative policy solutions, and the ability to apply this to export controls and counter proliferation
• Strong analytical and written and oral communication skills
• Current driving licence required
• Understanding of The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti, Te Reo Māori and Māori customs and protocols would be beneficial.   

Note: Applicants invited to interview will be required to complete a written assessment.

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 consistent with guidance from the Public Service Commission.  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

Apply today with your CV and cover letter.

For any questions on applying, you may contact recruitment@mfat.govt.nz

To be employed with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade you must be a NZ citizen, or Permanent Resident. 

You must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret 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 Top Secret clearance. Please note that this tool is not part of the formal security clearance process: http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool

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

Applications close at 9:00pm on Sunday 22nd February, 2026.

Please note: This is not a Foreign Policy/diplomatic role.  This is a ‘Corporate’ role (known here as a Specialist role) based in central Wellington, NZ.  

While it is not usual for specialist staff to be ‘posted’ outside of NZ, from time to time a specialist role overseas becomes available at one of our embassies, high commissions, missions or consulates. To be considered for one of these positions you would need to apply and be considered via a competitive recruitment process.

If you do have an interest in an MFAT foreign policy/diplomatic career, you would be welcome to apply for this either via our graduate recruitment or mid-level foreign policy recruitment campaigns.