Policy Adviser

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.

Policy Adviser

• Play a key role in reforming New Zealand's export controls regime
• Work alongside specialists in a high-impact, cross-agency project environment
• 12-month fixed term opportunity, based in Wellington

Be at the forefront of policy development and implementation planning for a priority reform initiative to strengthen New Zealand's national and economic security and alignment with international regimes.

About the role - Korero mo te turanga

The Policy Adviser plays a critical role in supporting the legislative reform of New Zealand's strategic export controls regime-our system to screen exports of military, dual-use and catch-all goods that may otherwise harm New Zealand's security or national interests or contribute to human rights abuse or violations of international humanitarian law.

This reform, which is a strategic priority for the Ministry, is essential for:

• Enhancing national security by preventing the proliferation of sensitive technologies.
• Supporting economic goals, including the government's target to double the value of national exports.
• Aligning with changes to international standards and upholding multilateral commitments under international export control regimes, to ensure comparability with major partners and reinforce New Zealand's role in upholding the rules-based international system.

The role contributes directly to shaping policy that ensures New Zealand's export controls are robust, future-proofed, and responsive to evolving risks, including in relation to intangible technology transfers.

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

The full salary range for this role is $89,601 to $121,225 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution.

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

We'd like to hear from you if you are an experienced Policy Adviser with the following skills and experience:

• Experience providing policy advice (including issues analysis and managing ministerial servicing tasks such as drafting briefing notes, Cabinet papers, aide memoires, and responses to Official Information Act requests and parliamentary questions)
• Developing knowledge in an area of technical expertise
• Experience managing multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced public sector environment
• Sound project planning and organisational/administrative skills
• Sensitive to and appreciative of EEO issues
• Ability to work with people from a range of cultures and backgrounds
• Understanding of The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti, Te Reo Maori and Maori customs and protocols would be beneficial.

Why MFAT? - Nga hua o te mahi i te Manatu 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 - 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

Apply today with your CV and cover letter. For any questions, please email

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

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:

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

Applications close at 6pm on Sunday 16th November 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.