Legal Adviser - International Law

An opportunity to make a difference through working on international law issues at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Ministry acts in the world to build a safer, more prosperous and more sustainable future for New Zealanders.

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

The Legal Adviser, International Law, is a specialist legal role that focuses on a range of peace and security and general international law issues. It involves working collaboratively to provide legal input in support of the Government’s foreign policy priorities.

The role will sit within the General International Law Unit which provides legal advice and input on international peace and security issues (including the UN Charter, international humanitarian law, export controls, counter-terrorism, disarmament, cyber-security, space); international human rights law; international criminal law (including extradition and mutual assistance); international treaty law; and the Realm relationships.  The Unit is also responsible for managing the legislative programme.

For more detail you can view the full position description here.

The appointing salary range for this role is between $95,000 and $125,000 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution, depending on your level of experience.  

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

We’d like to hear from you if you are an experienced lawyer with the following skills and experience:

• Undergraduate degree in law, with postgraduate study in international law highly desirable.
• At least 2-4 years experience working as a lawyer, including in public international law or similar.
• An aptitude for legal analysis, an ability to communicate legal concepts and analysis clearly and effectively, and the ability to build, maintain and leverage relationships.
• Understanding of The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti, Te Reo Māori and Māori customs and protocols would be beneficial.   

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. Please tailor your cover letter to the position and outline why you think you would be a good fit.

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

You must be able to obtain and maintain a 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 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.

If you have any questions or issues applying, please contact recruitment@mfat.govt.nz

Applications close at midnight on Friday 15 August 2025.

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.