The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is seeking suitably qualified people to appoint to lists of individuals who are available to serve on arbitration panels in disputes under the New Zealand-European Union Free Trade Agreement (NZ-EU FTA).
We are seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified candidates who would like to be nominated to one or both of two lists:
- panellists for the purposes of the main dispute settlement mechanism under the NZ-EU FTA; and
- specialist panellists for disputes relating to the trade and sustainable development chapter.
These lists are each divided into three sub-lists:
- two lists for preferred panellists of New Zealand and the EU respectively; and
- a list limited to nationals of third countries, from which the chair of an arbitration panel would be chosen.
For panellists that are selected, appointment would be on a part-time basis. If a dispute were to occur, individuals from the lists may be appointed to an arbitration panel to adjudicate. The duration of disputes can vary considerably; however, the responsibilities associated with chosen panellists may extend beyond 18 months.
Requirements for panellists
Under Article 26.7 of the NZ-EU FTA [PDF, 187 KB], panellists must have demonstrated expertise in law, international trade, and other matters covered by the NZ-EU FTA. Panel chairs must also have experience in dispute settlement procedures.
For the list of specialist panellists for disputes relating to the trade and sustainable development chapter, candidates must have specialised knowledge of, or expertise in:
- labour or environmental law;
- issues addressed in the trade and sustainable development chapter [PDF, 194 KB] of the FTA; or
- the resolution of disputes arising under international agreements.
In addition to the above requirements, to be considered for appointment, all candidates must:
- not otherwise be affiliated with the Government of New Zealand, the Government of a Member State or the European Union institutions, and must be a person of demonstrable independence and impartiality;
- serve in their individual capacities and not take instructions from any organisation or government with regard to matters related to the dispute;
- comply with the Code of Conduct for Panellists and Mediators [PDF, 124 KB];
- be available for service and be able to make the necessary time commitments, including service on an arbitration tribunal or panel of experts, if called upon to do so; and
- be willing and able to travel for the purposes of the dispute settlement proceedings, if called upon to do so.
Application process
To express your interest in being appointed to the NZ-EU FTA lists of panellists, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability and relevant skills and experience to DM-LGL@mfat.govt.nz. Please indicate which list or lists you are applying for. You may apply for more than one list if you consider that you satisfy the requirements for more than one list.
Selection process
Candidates will be informed if they have been selected for nomination by New Zealand to one or more of the lists of panellists.
We will also inform candidates who are not selected.
Applications close: 9:00am, Monday 25 August 2025
For further information, contact DM-LGL@mfat.govt.nz.