Legal Support Officer - until 30June 2027

Seeking law student eager to gain practical experience

Opportunity to put academic learning into practice

Part-time, Wellington based

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

The Legal Support Officer provides administrative support to MFAT’s Legal Division primarily in the areas of mutual legal assistance, extradition, private international law, and international treaty-making and research.

• Supporting management of cases and issues in the areas of mutual legal assistance, extradition, private international law, and working with relevant legal officers to keep them informed of updates

• Managing the register for mutual assistance and extradition requests

• Prepare letters and third person notes for private international law and cover for mutual legal assistance, extradition

• Receive and transmit documents from overseas posts, local agencies, and local foreign missions; 

• Liaise with overseas posts and relevant departments
• Supporting the Treaty Officer and Treaty Support Officer in the area of international treaty-making 
• Support formatting, printing and binding treaty and arrangement texts in preparation for signature 
• Assisting with publication of treaties in the New Zealand Treaty Series and presentation to the House of Representatives 
• Support responding to treaty-related enquiries from the public and other government agencies 
• General legal research and legal assistance for members of Legal Division

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

This is a fixed term opportunity working 10-15 hours per week until 30 June 2027

The salary for this role is $54,996 pro-rated, inclusive of our 3.5% KiwiSaver employer contribution.

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

We want to hear from you if you are a self-motivated law student with an understanding of the basic principles of international law.

In addition, we would like you to highlight the following on your application:

• Ability to plan and organise workload.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated interest in international law and/or international relations.
• Attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills and an ability to work successfully with a diverse range of people internally and externally.
• Competent in Microsoft Office suite of products.
• Ability to work independently in completing tasks and collaboratively with others when required

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 contact Recruitment@mfat.govt.nz if you have any questions.

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

We encourage interested candidates to apply early, as applications will be reviewed and interviews may be conducted throughout the advertising period.

Applications close at midnight on 6th November 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.  

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.