Legal Adviser - International Law at Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade, Wellington

• Help advance New Zealand’s interests in a world founded on respect for international law
• Advise the government on the key international legal issues facing New Zealand including on war and peace, human rights, sanctions, and international criminal law
• Be part of a highly-collaborative and supportive team committed to developing international lawyers

A world founded on international law is the only world where New Zealand thrives. We are looking for an international lawyer ready to work on the hard issues facing the international system, and help to shape international law in New Zealand’s interest.

It is more important than ever that New Zealand’s independent voice is heard and its diplomatic and negotiating presence is enhanced. New Zealand is facing increasingly complex and dynamic security challenges including challenges to international peace and security, sovereignty, nuclear proliferation, terrorism, cyber-crime, and interference in countries’ domestic affairs, transnational crime and humanitarian crises. In this role, you will:

• Provide timely, strategically sound and accurate legal advice on the range of issues falling within the scope of the Division’s work. 
• Facilitate, manage and respond to communications from foreign governments and international organisations on a range of international law matters, including by coordinating and liaising with other agencies and requesting countries.
• Represent the Ministry in government processes and in negotiations, providing high level legal advice in relation to compliance with and implementation of New Zealand’s international law rights and obligations

The appointment range for this role is $78,540 to $112,418 total remuneration – negotiable depending on experience.

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.  

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 will need to apply and be considered via a competitive recruitment process.

If you have an interest in an MFAT foreign policy career you will be welcome to apply for this either via our graduate recruitment or mid-level foreign policy recruitment campaigns.

• Undergraduate degree in law, with postgraduate study in international law highly desirable.
• At least 2 years experience working in public international law or similar
• Strong skills in legal analysis and an ability to communicate legal concepts and analysis clearly and effectively.
• Ability to build, maintain and leverage relationships with internal and external peers/contacts
• Sound planning and organising skills
• Sound understanding of tikanga and Treaty of Waitangi principles
• Competent in Microsoft Office suite of products
• An understanding of the Machinery of Government and the Government decision making process
• Strong qualitative and quantitative analytical skills
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues within the division
• Sound judgment and decision making skills
• The ability to demonstrate the drive and ability to improve your own capability, including self-awareness and a self-improvement focus

We are committed to a focus on leadership, talent, training and development, and flexible work options.  Check out our benefits page to find out more about why we love working here.

We are also working to grow the diversity of our workforce and the inclusive nature of our workplace. Click on our diversity and inclusion page to find out more.

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. 

Apply today with your CV and cover letter.

For a confidential discussion please email Andrew – Andrew.williams@mfat.govt.nz

For a copy of the position description, please click here

You must be a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident and able to obtain and maintain an appropriate NZ Government Security clearance.

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

Applications close at midnight on 26/05/22