Graduate and Intermediate Policy Officer Opportunities

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade runs an annual Policy Officer intake - check out our video on what we do and how to apply.

Apply for Graduate and Intermediate Policy Officer Roles

Applications for our Graduate and Intermediate Policy Officer(external link) intake are now open.

If you are looking to start work from November 2021 or February 2022 - this is the recruitment round to apply for!

Why choose a career with MFAT?

You'll have the opportunity to sink your teeth into some of the most rewarding opportunities in Aoteroa! You could find yourself working on areas such as climate change and the environment, advising the government on our relations with other countries, development and humanitarian activities, the UN and human rights, trade negotiations or international security & arms control. You'll have meaningful work from day one and be able to apply the knowledge acquired at university in challenging real-world situations.

Our 12 month Foundations programme (Advanced Foundations for Intermediate level Policy Officers) will offer you the practical experience, training and development you need to build a career as unique as you. We have everything set up so you can drive your own success within a positive and supportive environment. You'll get ongoing support from experienced mentors, formal training and on the job learning opportunities.

Who are we looking for?

We don’t take a cookie cutter approach to our recruitment. The nature of our work is broad-ranging, so we’re looking for people with a range of skills, experiences and backgrounds. Diversity of thought is key.

We’re looking for people who are curious about global challenges and other cultures; those who want to help make positive changes for New Zealand. Naturally, you’ll have an interest in the work we do, and because relationships are at the heart of it all, you’ll enjoy working with people.

Minimum requirements

Criteria	More details
Hold New Zealand citizenship	Or have submitted an application for New Zealand Citizenship with The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA)
Able to obtain and maintain an appropriate security clearance	Security clearance requirements
Have completed a minimum of a bachelor’s level qualification by February 2022	Our foreign policy officers have a wide variety of degrees, e.g nursing, law, commerce, science, marketing, veterinary science
At least 3 months’ work experience during (or following on from) your studies	Any type of work experience: part time/full time, internships, hospitality, retail, office work, etc
A willingness to be posted overseas and travel for work	Travel is a key part of the role, however you will be initially based in Wellington headquarters

Desirable skills

In addition to the above, we're looking for people who have SOME of the following skills or experience.

Experience/skill	Example
Mātauranga Māori	Strong skills, perspectives and knowledge from the Māori world, including Māori culture and the Treaty of Waitangi.
Interpersonal/relationship building skills	This may be gained through work or volunteer work e.g. Community, youth groups, aid work, coaching, religious or cultural groups
Academic	Outstanding academic achievement demonstrated by: excellent grades, or a tertiary academic award or scholarship, or further postgraduate studies
Languages	Te Reo Māori at an intermediate level or above, or another language at an advanced level/work proficiency; e.g. Pacific languages, North Asian languages, Arabic, etc.
Cross Cultural Skills	Understanding, experience and ability to engage effectively with Pacific, Pasifika or Māori communities. The ability to move between cultures.
Leadership experience	School prefect, head of university student club/association youth leader, community initiatives, religious or cultural groups, workplace etc

Our application process

Application Process

Applications — Closing 1st August 2021

1. Apply online. You'll need a CV, unofficial transcript ready to upload, and have calculated your GPA. We use the University of Auckland calculator for the purpose of consistency. A cover letter and references are not required at this stage.

2. Online Assessments — throughout August

These online assessments will be completed over three weekends.

Cognitive tests (Abstract, Verbal, Numerical)
Video introduction
Written exercise

3. Assessment Centre in Wellington — early September

Those selected will be invited to attend our Assessment Centre in Wellington. We will organise travel for those not based in Wellington.

This is where it gets exciting, we want to know more about you, what you like to do outside of university and why you want to join MFAT!

Face to face interview
Group exercise
Job fair

Offers made — mid to late September

Accessibility

Think you might need a hand with some of the assessment components above?

Let us know — we're here to help!

Myth busters — Job requirements

Mythbusters

Here are some myths about our student graduate and intermediate policy officer roles requirements.

Do I need a double degree or post graduate qualification to be eligible?

Our minimum requirement is now a bachelor’s level qualification. If you become a MFAT graduate, and you’re keen to do further study down the track, we can explore this with you.

Are only those with law degrees considered?

We're keen to see different skills from a mix of academic backgrounds, so, as long as you have a genuine interest in the work we do, we’ll consider any bachelor’s degree.

Do I need to be an A+ student?

We don’t have a minimum grade requirement. We’re looking for people with a balance of academic achievement and great people skills. For example, we value the skills that your experience in moving between different cultures can bring, as well as any volunteer or leadership experience you may have.

Do I need to speak another language?

It’s an advantage if you have language skills from a country where MFAT has a presence; you might even speak Te Reo or a Pacific language at home, but it’s not compulsory. Opportunities are available if you’re interested in learning another language.

Got some questions?

Email us at graduaterecruitment@mfat.govt.nz

Good luck and we look forward to receiving your application!