International Law Specialist

New Zealand Government; Wellington; Sur place; NZD 91 000 - 108 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Flexible work options

Rainbow Tick accreditation

Inclusive culture

Résumé du poste

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) invites applications for a permanent, Wellington-based policy and trade lawyer. You will provide strategic legal advice on international trade rules, participate in WTO and FTAs processes, and engage with stakeholders including Māori to advance NZ trade priorities.

We seek a qualified NZ lawyer with 2–3 years in international trade law, strong communication skills, and the ability to negotiate instruments and support implementation of NZ trade

Qualifications

• NZ qualified lawyer with 2–3 years’ experience in international trade law or general international law.
• Strong written and verbal communication with ability to engage stakeholders at multiple levels.

Responsabilités

• Provide timely, strategic legal advice to support NZ trade priorities.
• Negotiate international trade instruments and input on NZ positions.
• Support compliance with NZ international trade rights and obligations.
• Contribute to dispute settlement processes (e.g., WTO disputes).

Connaissances

International trade law

Legal analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Formation

NZ legal qualification

Description du poste

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.Provide strategic legal and policy advice on international tradeSupport delivery of New Zealand's trade prioritiesPermanent, Wellington basedPlay a pivotal role in advancing New Zealand's trade priorities through strategic legal advice and international engagement.About the role - Korero mo te turangaThe Trade Law unit is a key part of ensuring New Zealand's voice is heard in the turbulent context around trade rules, trade policy and need to support the rules-based trading system. In the Trade Law Unit, you will provide legal advice on the frameworks that underpin New Zealand's international trade relations, input into New Zealand's trade negotiating and implementation agenda, and engage and consult with stakeholders around trade rules and trade agreements, particularly with Maori. You will also participate in WTO cases (including a third party) and engage with bilateral and thematic teams considering the non-tariff barriers faced by New Zealand exporters in other markets.Key responsibilities include:Provide timely, strategically sound and accurate legal analysis and advice that supports Ministry and government trade prioritiesNegotiate international trade-related instruments, ensuring the provision of strategic input to help shape the New Zealand positionProvide legal advice in relation to compliance with and implementation of New Zealand's international trade law rights and obligationsContribute to the unit's involvement in international dispute settlement processes (e.g. WTO disputes and FTA disputes).Demonstrate the organisation's values, goals, policies and procedures in all aspects of workFor more detail you can view a copy of the position description hereThe salary range for this role is $91,000 to $107,520 total remuneration, inclusive of our KiwiSaver employer contribution.We expect to appoint depending on your level of experience.Who are we looking for? - Ma wai te mahi nei?We'd like to hear from you if you have the following skills and experience:NZ qualified lawyer with at least 2-3 years' experience (and have completed a Professional Legal Studies Course)Experience/exposure to international trade law or broader international lawStrong communication skills both written and verbal with the confidence and ability to connect with a range of stakeholders at varying levels, both internally and externally.Why MFAT? - Nga hua o te mahi i te Manatu AorereWe 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 matouOur 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 tonoApply today with your CV and cover letter.For a confidential discussion please email [e-mail] 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 Top Secret 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 Top Secret clearance. Please note that this tool is not part of the formal security clearance process: http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-toolPlease let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.Applications close at midnight on 5th November 2026Please 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).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.