Economist

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._ - Join an engaged and high performing team at the centre of some of the most challenging issues facing the global economic system right now. - Become a key influence in shaping New Zealand's economic direction by bringing evidence and advice to our foreign and trade policy decisions. This is a unique development opportunity to build your economic capability with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. **About the role** - **Korero mo te turanga** We are seeking an Economist with a curious and highly analytical mind to join MFAT's Economic Advice and Institutions Unit. The Economist supports our research agenda and provides analytical support to other divisions across the Ministry as well as other public sector agencies. This is an internationally facing role in which you will be required to develop advice and advocate for New Zealand's interests in key international economic institutions such as the OECD, G20, and the Small Advanced Economies Initiative. Key responsibilities of the role include: - Developing qualitative and quantitative economic analysis of New Zealand's international trade performance and its trade policy settings, including its trade agreements, - Providing economic analysis and insights to inform the broader trade and foreign policy objectives of the Ministry, - Supporting the international engagements of New Zealand Ministers and senior officials, with evidence based economic analysis and advice, and - Working across government agencies to contribute to New Zealand's broader economic policy development. Operating in a fast-paced complex environment, this role will be stimulating and challenging. It will prove rewarding to someone with between two and five years previous economic experience operating in a commercial or policy-based environment wishing to further develop their economic capability. For more detail you can view the position description here. The appointing salary range for this role is $107,000 and $125,000 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution. Appointment within this range will depend on skills and experience. **Who are we looking for? - Ma wai te mahi nei?** **- A post graduate degree (preferably Masters or higher) in Economics, Econometrics, Data Science, or a similar discipline. - A strong economics and/or evaluation background, with solid written and verbal communication skills. - The ability to undertake high quality economic analysis. - Demonstrated experience in data analysis, statistical methods, including coding in "R" or a similar language would also be preferred. - An understanding of international trade policy, the global trade architecture, and New Zealand's international trade profile would be advantageous, but is not essential. **Why** MFAT? - Nga hua o te mahi i te Manatu Aorere** **We are committed to a focus on leadership, talent, training, 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. **About us - Mo matou** 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 pehea te tuku tono** **Applications close at midnight on Sunday 14th 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.