Experienced Professionals - Foreign Policy Opportunities

Experienced Professionals - Foreign Policy Opportunities 

• Recruiting now for a start in July 2026 

• Work for New Zealanders on global issues 

• Build a varied, meaningful career in Wellington and overseas 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Manatū Aorere – welcomes applications from experienced policy professionals interested in building a safer, more prosperous and more sustainable future for New Zealanders through the Ministry’s work.   

About the roles - Kōrero mō te tūranga 

Our people advise the Government on foreign policy, trade, multilateral, and international development issues. They advance and represent New Zealand’s interests, build international partnerships, and contribute to shaping global outcomes. 

These roles are rotational, giving you the opportunity to develop deep expertise across multiple areas of foreign policy, trade, and international development over time. 

Depending on your background and the needs of the Ministry, you may be involved in: 

• Contributing to New Zealand’s international development and humanitarian assistance efforts in the Pacific region and beyond as part of New Zealand’s International Development Cooperation programme. 

• Expanding opportunities and improving trading conditions for New Zealand in overseas markets.   

• Supporting New Zealand’s engagement with partners including other government agencies, iwi, regional organisations, NGOs, business, and academia. 

• Representing New Zealand in international forums and negotiations; 

• Delivering diplomatic visits, events, and other engagements. 

• Responding to international crises and the international impacts of domestic crises. 

• Developing the leadership skills needed to influence, negotiate, and work effectively across cultures.  

Opportunities for overseas postings may also be available as you progress your career. 

To view the position description for Policy Officer 2 (PO2) Level, please click here. 

Successful PO2 candidates will be appointed based on their experience and assessed level. We expect to appoint between $93,542 to $111,679, inclusive of our KiwiSaver employer contribution. 

We expect to appoint predominantly at this PO2 level. In exceptional circumstances, we may consider appointing a candidate with relevant experience to a Senior Policy Officer position.  

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

Candidates are expected to bring: 

• A minimum of four years’ professional experience and subject matter expertise in a relevant technical field such as law, trade policy, economics, international development, or international governance and institutions.  

• International Development policy or programme management experience, including in areas such as health, education, infrastructure, renewable energy, and humanitarian assistance, or a willingness to work in an international development focused role. 

• A Bachelor’s or Postgraduate Degree in a discipline relevant to the technical area/s identified, with demonstrated high achievement. 

• Aptitude for the Ministry’s work — analytical, adaptable, resilient, with strong written and verbal communication skills.  

• An ability to build and foster positive relationships with a range of domestic and international stakeholders.  

• A sound understanding of Mātauranga Māori and the Treaty of Waitangi / te Tiriti o Waitangi.  

• Proficiency in one or more languages other than English would be beneficial. 

You must also be: 

• A New Zealand citizen, and 

• Able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret national security clearance.  

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

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

We are committed to a focus on leadership, talent, training and development. 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 and what to do about it.