International Legal Adviser, Environment

The Ministry acts in the world to build a safer, more prosperous and more sustainable future for New Zealanders.

Kia hangai ake e te Manatu he ao-haumaru, ao-tonui, ao-pumau, ki te oranga tonutanga mo Aotearoa whanui.
- Permanent position
- Flexible hours negotiable
- Support NZ's environmental and resources law priorities, negotiations and international litigation

Work with and alongside people who are passionate about New Zealand’s contribution to international environment al law.

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role
Joining our International Environment and Resources Law team as an international law specialist, with a focus on international environmental law, is an excellent opportunity to contribute to New Zealand’s international work programme by working with and alongside people who are passionate about New Zealand’s contribution to international environment al law.

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.

Reporting to the Unit Manager of the Environment and Resources Law team, you will provide legal and policy analysis that supports New Zealand's environmental and resources law priorities, negotiations and international litigation as well as providing international law advice on domestic initiatives.

International Legal Adviser Level 16
International Legal Adviser Level 17

The appointment range is
- Salary band 16 : $85,118 to midpoint of $100,139
- Salary band 17 : $101,621 to midpoint of $119,554 Negotiable depending on skills and experience and is inclusive of 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution.

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

We would love to hear from you if you are an experienced policy or legal professional with at least 2 -7 years with the following:

- Ability to demonstrate the organisation’s values, goals, policies and procedures in all aspects of work.
- Relationship and influencing skills
- Excellent planning and organising skills with proven success delivering results.
- The ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Sound judgement.
- An openness to learning and a collaborative approach to problem solving.
- Have completed the professional legal studies course (Profs), and preferably are already admitted to the Bar.

Ideally you will also have a good understanding of tikanga (Māori customs and protocols), with the ability to weave te ao Māori (the Māori worldview) into your work. If you are just starting on this journey that’s OK too - as long as you have a willingness to learn and a desire to develop your cultural capability. As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, this is important to us and we offer training and support.

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

We are committed to a focus on leadership, talent, training and development, and flexible work options. Check out our benefits page to find out more about why we love working here.

You can find out more about our staff networks and our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here

Mō mātou - About us

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.

Me pēhea te tuku tono - To Apply/Interested?

To be considered for this position you MUST be a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident and able to obtain and maintain a NZ Government National Security clearance at Secret level.

Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a Secret security clearance. Please note that this tool is not part of the formal security clearance process:
Let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Applications close on 19 July at midnight

**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.