Date: 20 Aug 2026

Location: Wellington, NZ, 6011

Description:

Shape New Zealand's place in the world
Launch a unique career in foreign policy, trade, development, international affairs
Develop your skills in Wellington and around the globe

If you're curious about the world, motivated by public service, and excited by the prospect of representing New Zealand internationally, this could be the start of an extraordinary career.

About the role – Kōrero mō te tūranga

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Manatū Aorere (MFAT) is recruiting for its 2027 Early in Careers (Graduate) Foreign Policy Programme.

As New Zealand's lead agency on foreign policy, international trade, development cooperation, and international legal issues, MFAT works to make New Zealanders safer, more secure, and more prosperous. We help shape New Zealand's response to global events, build international partnerships, advance New Zealand's interests and values, and contribute to positive outcomes across our region and around the world. Our Foreign Policy Officers are at the heart of this work.

This programme offers graduates and early career professionals the opportunity to build a broad and rewarding career across some of the most important issues facing New Zealand and the international community.

As an Early in Careers Foreign Policy Officer, you will:

Contribute to the development of New Zealand's foreign policy and international engagement.
Provide analysis and advice to Ministers and Government on international issues, including foreign affairs, trade, security and development priorities.
Help advance New Zealand's interests through engagement with foreign governments, international organisations and regional partners.
Build relationships with a wide range of partners and stakeholders including iwi, businesses, academia, community organisations and other government agencies.
Support high-level international visits, events, negotiations and official engagements.
Contribute to New Zealand's response to international crises, geopolitical developments and natural disasters.
Develop policy, analytical, communication and relationship management skills in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Grow your leadership capability and build the foundations for a long-term career.

A career as a Foreign Policy Officer is an opportunity to work on issues that matter to New Zealand, from regional security and international trade to climate change, development, human rights, economic resilience and multilateral diplomacy. After gaining experience in roles in Wellington, you'll have opportunities to apply for roles in our offshore network, representing New Zealand and advancing our interests overseas. Through rotational assignments, you'll gain experience across a range of portfolios, developing the skills needed to become a future leader in New Zealand's foreign policy system.

The salary for this role is $73,788, inclusive of our KiwiSaver employer contribution.

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

We're looking for talented, motivated people from diverse backgrounds who are eager to contribute to New Zealand's future on the global stage.

We welcome applications from all disciplines. Applicants with backgrounds in areas such as Commerce, Economics, Global Studies, International Development, International Relations, Languages, Law, Māori Studies, Pacific Studies, Public Policy, or Sciences may find a natural connection to our work, but no specific field of study is required.

We're interested in people who:

Are New Zealand citizens.
Hold a double degree or higher qualification in any discipline.
Are excited to represent New Zealand and contribute to positive outcomes for New Zealanders.
Have a strong commitment to public service and making a difference for others.
Are curious, adaptable, and eager to learn in an increasingly complex and changing world.
Are due to graduate, or have less than two years' professional work experience.
Demonstrate strong analytical thinking, judgement and problem-solving skills.
Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, while building positive working relationships with a wide range of people.
Show resilience, adaptability and the ability to thrive in complex and changing environments.
Have a genuine interest in international affairs and serving New Zealand.
Bring cultural awareness, curiosity and an openness to different perspectives.
Demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to continuous learning.
Can obtain and maintain a New Zealand Government National Security Clearance at Top Secret level.

Experience with te ao Māori, knowledge of tikanga Māori and cultural diplomacy, language skills, international experience, and an understanding of diverse cultures and communities will be an advantage.

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

We are committed to a focus on training and development, talent, leadership, 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

The Ministry acts in the world to build a safer, more prosperous and more sustainable future for New Zealanders. Our people represent New Zealand on and offshore 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 pēhea te tuku tono

Apply today with your CV, cover letter and academic transcript.

The online application process includes a short questionnaire as the first step in the assessment process.

For more information about our Early in Careers Foreign Policy Programme visit: Early in careers - Foreign Policy Officer opportunities | New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

View the position description here.

For any questions about the recruitment process, please contact: fprecruitment@mfat.govt.nz

To be eligible for this position, applicants must have graduated within the last two and a half years and have no more than two years of professional work experience.

You must also be a current New Zealand citizen and be able to obtain and maintain a New Zealand Government National Security Clearance at Top Secret level. Please note these are separate requirements.

Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a Top Secret security 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.

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 6 September 2026.