Senior Adviser, Non Tariff Barriers

• Join an engaged and high performing team at the centre of some of the most challenging, practical issues facing New Zealand exporters right now.
• This a rare opportunity to deeply engage on and advance one of New Zealand’s core trade policy goals.
• Work closely with a variety of stakeholders from across government, business, and other countries.

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

As a Senior Adviser on non-tariff barriers (NTBs) in the Economic Diplomacy and Policy team you will be responsible for coordinating MFAT’s response to non-tariff barriers (NTBs). This will involve working closely with our Diplomatic Post network, MFAT Divisions and NZ Inc agencies to identify, track and resolve NTBs.

Core accountabilities for this role will include working with exporters to understand the barriers facing them in offshore markets, monitoring NTBs through maintaining and updating an all of Ministry database that tracks their impacts and the steps taken to resolve them. You will also develop strategies to raise and address NTBs with other New Zealand Government Agencies, and report on progress to senior leadership and Ministers. You will also work closely with the Trade Policy Engagement and Implementation Division to ensure that provisions in New Zealand’s Free Trade Agreements are being best used to address NTBs.

As the landscape of international trade is shifting you will also be developing policy responses to the emergence of novel NTBs and working with exporters to understand their impacts on New Zealand businesses.

This role is both internationally and domestically facing. You will be expected to develop and maintain outcome-oriented relationships with key stakeholders in domestic economic agencies, businesses, and peak bodies, and with international bilateral counterparts.

You will act as an important mentor to lift the Ministry’s ability to engage on NTBs.   

For more detail you can view the position description here.

The appointing range for this role is between $124,674 and $168,676 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution. We expect to appoint around the midpoint $146,675 - depending on your level of experience.

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

• You will be a self-starter with relevant experience in trade policy, and seeking an opportunity to build your skills and career as a trade policy adviser.

• You will have strong written and verbal communication skills and significant experience developing written policy advice and analysis.

• Experience operating in policy-based environments, including success working with other Government agencies and with the private sector would be a strong advantage.

• This stimulating and challenging role will prove rewarding to someone who has a personal growth mindset and is passionate about the importance of trade and international connections for New Zealand’s future economic prosperity. 

• 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.

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

It is a requirement of the role that you must be able to obtain and maintain a relevant New Zealand Government security clearance.

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.

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

Applications close midnight on Sunday, 22nd June 2025.

Please note:  This is not a Foreign Policy/diplomatic role. This is a specialist role based in central Wellington, New Zealand.

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.