Treaty Support Officer Fixed term June 2027

Mfat; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 49,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

MFAT in Wellington invites applications for a Treaty Support Officer (Fixed term to 30 June 2027). This part‑time role (10–15 hours per week) supports the Legal Division in international treaty making and mutual legal assistance, working closely with the Treaty Officer and the General International Law team.

You will assist with treaty publication, provide general legal research and advice, manage cases, handle document transmission from overseas posts, and prepare notes on private international

Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in international law and/or international relations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work.
• Ability to plan and organise workload and manage priorities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with others.

Responsibilities

• Support to the Treaty Officer in international treaty-making.
• Assist with publication of treaties in the NZ Treaty Series and presentation to the House.
• General legal research and practical legal assistance for the Legal Division.
• Support management of cases and keep colleagues informed of updates.
• Receive and transmit documents from overseas posts and local missions.
• Prepare letters and notes for private international law and mutual legal assistance.

Skills

Interest in international law

Written & verbal communication

Attention to detail

Plan and organise workload

Independent working

Interpersonal skills

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Treaty Support Officer Fixed term June 2027

Date: 21 Sept 2026

Location:

Wellington, NZ, 6011

Description:

• Seeking law student eager to gain practical experience


• Opportunity to put academic learning into practice


• Part-time, Wellington based

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

The Treaty Support Officer provides support to MFAT's Legal Division in the areas of international treaty making and mutual legal assistance. The Treaty Support Officer works in close collaboration with the Treaty Officer and others in the General International Law team and covers a wide range of international law issues.

• Support to the Treaty Officer in the area of international treaty-making


• Assisting with publication of treaties in the New Zealand Treaty Series and presentation to the House of Representatives


• General legal research and legal assistance for members of Legal Division


• Support management of cases in the above areas and work with relevant legal officers to keep them informed of relevant updates


• Receive and transmit documents from overseas posts, local agencies, and local foreign missions


• Prepare letters and third person notes for private international law and cover for mutual legal assistance, extradition


• Understand the Ministry’s strategic priorities and high-level outcomes framework and how this role contributes to the framework.

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

This is a fixed term opportunity working 10-15 hours per week until 30 June 2027

The salary for this role is $54,996 pro-rated, inclusive of our 3.5% KiwiSaver employer contribution.

W ho are we looking for? - Mā wai te mahi nei?

• Ability to plan and organise workload.


• Ability to manage multiple priorities.


• Demonstrated interest in international law and/or international relations.


• Attention to detail.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills.


• Interpersonal skills and an ability to work successfully with a diverse range of people internally and externally.


• Competent in Microsoft Office suite of products.


• Ability to work independently in completing tasks and collaboratively with others when required

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 NewZealand’s interests and pursue NewZealand's values. We provide advice to the Government on the implications for NewZealand of what is happening in the world.

To 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 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: 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.

Early applications are encouraged, as interviews will be conducted throughout the advertising period

Applications close at midnight on 6th October 2026.

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.

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.