Manager and Legislative Lead for Export Control Reform Project at Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade, Wellington
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
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.
Manager and Legislative Lead for Export Control Reform Project
- Lead MFAT’s work to achieve legislative reform of New Zealand’s strategic export control 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.
- Manage a team of at least four, comprising subject matter experts, a Wellington-based policy analyst, and project and administrative support specialist.
- Work alongside and in consultation with MFAT’s export control team responsible for implementing current controls, which is managed by the Unit Manager for Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Export Controls within MFAT’s International Security and Disarmament Division (ISED). You will report to the ISED Divisional Manager.
This is a 2-year fixed-term opportunity, and we are seeking an experienced, knowledgeable legislative lead to manage the work to reform New Zealand’s export control regime, a priority for the Ministry.
Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role
Reforming New Zealand’s export control regime is a Ministry priority to enhance our national security, contribute to doubling the value of our national exports – a goal of the government – and help uphold the rules-based international system through effective implementation of our commitments under the multilateral export control regimes to which New Zealand belongs. Building on work to date, legislative reform will address areas in which the New Zealand export control regime requires re-design and strengthening, for instance in the context of intangible technology transfers, to help ensure functional comparability with our major partners and thus combat proliferation.
The successful candidate will:
- Lead policy development within MFAT on legislative reform of New Zealand’s export control regime in coordination with ISED, Legal Division and the Corporate Legal Unit, and oversee coordination with other government agencies as required.
- Manage the project’s delivery of its planned and agreed activity stream to realise its strategic priorities and high level outcomes.
- Manage, retain, develop and if necessary recruit high performing staff to ensure the Ministry has the necessary expertise required by the project team.
- Lead domestic representation, consultation and negotiation on this process, under the Direction of the ISED Divisional Manager, including managing relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
- Orchestrate the project’s outputs with the legislative processes involved in bringing reformed export control legislation to fruition by 2027/28.
Success in this role will be reflected in laying the groundwork for and achieving a high quality, durable legislative outcome that enhances the effectiveness of New Zealand’s export control regime.
For more detail you can view a copy of the position description here
The salary range for this role is $167,587 to midpoint $197,162 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution.
Mā wai te mahi nei? – Who are we looking for?
We’d like to hear from you if you are an experienced legislative process specialist with drive to achieve goals and the following skills and experience:
- Proven experience in managing the development, adoption and implementation of New Zealand legislation, including a detailed understanding of the processes and procedures involved
- Considerable, demonstrated experience in leading the development of complex and innovative policy advice and solutions and the acumen and management ability to apply this in export control reform context
- Understanding at a strategic level, of the key opportunities and risks for New Zealand in export control reform and an ability to think strategically about this with a view to guiding the Ministry to a successful reform outcome
Ideally you will also have a good understanding of tikanga (Māori customs and protocols), with the ability to weave te ao Māori (the Māori worldview) into your work.
If you are just starting on this journey that’s OK too – as long as you have a willingness to learn and a desire to develop your cultural capability. As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, this is important to us and we offer training and support.
Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Aorere - Why MFAT?
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.
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.
You can find out more about our staff networks and our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here
Mō mātou - About us
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.
Me pēhea te tuku tono - To Apply/Interested?
Apply today with your CV and cover letter.
For a confidential discussion please contact Charlotte Beaglehole.
To be employed with 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.
Applications close at 9pm on 18th February 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.
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
Ngā taipitopito tūranga mahi | Job details
Employer: | Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade |
Location: | Wellington |
Position type: | Casual |
Category: | Defence, corrections & security |
Date listed: | 04-Feb-2025 |
Salary range: | |
Closing date: | 18-Feb-2025 |
Reference: | 43147911 |
Attachment: | No File Attached |
File links: | |
Website: | http://www.mfat.govt.nz/ |
Note: You may be redirected to the employer's careers website.