Legal Adviserat Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade -
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.
Legal Adviser, Sanctions Provide strong analytical and legal advice relating to sanctions policy and law Join a high performing diverse team in a novel area of law Fixed term, full-time opportunity based in Wellington, to June 2027 Provide strong analytical and legal output to support the Government's objectives in implementing New Zealand's Russia and UN sanctions.
About the role- Kōrero mō te tūranga The Legal Adviser is a specialist professional position in the New Zealand Sanctions Unit, working with others in the team to provide sound legal and policy advice on the development, interpretation and implementation of New Zealand's Russia and UN sanctions legislation.
We are looking for an experienced legal specialist keen to get involved in this dynamic area.
Your responsibilities will include: Designing effective regulations under the Russia Sanctions Act and UN Sanctions Act, consistent with legislation and executive approvals Provide written legal and policy advice to support questions of interpretation, responses to enquiries, and ongoing regulatory improvements Issuing drafting instructions to the Parliamentary Council Office, and working with Crown Law and other agencies as required Contributing to the on-going improvement of the sanction's regulatory framework Working as part of an active and welcoming team This is exciting and challenging work and will see you working through complex legal issues, coaching and mentoring other staff, and engaging with other MFAT teams, other agencies and international partners as required.
For more detail you can view the position description here.The salary range for this role is $104,670 to $141,612 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution.
We look to appoint within this range- give or take depending on your level of skills and experience.
- Mā wai te mahi nei?
- Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Aorere We are committed to a focus on leadership, talent, training and development, 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 Our people represent New Zealand on and offshore, and in doing so make New Zealanders safer and more prosperous.
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 and cover letter.
If you have any questions about this opportunity, please email recruitment@mfat.govt.nz To be considered for this position at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade you must be a NZ citizen, or Permanent Resident.
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-toolPlease Let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.
Applications close at 6pm on Sunday 29th June 2025.
Please note: This is not a Foreign Policy/diplomatic role.
This is a ‘Corporate' role (known 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.