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.
- Join an engaged and high performing team at the centre of some of the most challenging issues facing the global economic system right now.
- A rare opportunity to apply economic thinking and analysis to influence New Zealand's trade and economic policy.
- Become a key influence in shaping New Zealand's economic direction by bringing evidence and advice to our foreign and trade policy decisions.
This is a unique development opportunity to build your economic capability with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
About the role - Korero mo te turanga
We are seeking an Economist with a curious and highly analytical mind to join MFAT's Economic Advice and Institutions Unit. The Economist supports our research agenda and provides analytical support to other divisions across the Ministry as well as other public sector agencies.
This is an internationally facing role in which you will be required to develop advice and advocate for New Zealand's interests in key international economic institutions such as the OECD, G20, and the Small Advanced Economies Initiative.
Key responsibilities of the role include:
- Developing qualitative and quantitative economic analysis of New Zealand's international trade performance and its trade policy settings, including its trade agreements,
- Providing economic analysis and insights to inform the broader trade and foreign policy objectives of the Ministry,
- Supporting the international engagements of New Zealand Ministers and senior officials, with evidence based economic analysis and advice, and
- Working across government agencies to contribute to New Zealand's broader economic policy development.
Operating in a fast-paced complex environment, this role will be stimulating and challenging. It will prove rewarding to someone with between two and five years previous economic experience operating in a commercial or policy-based environment wishing to further develop their economic capability.
For more detail you can view the position description here.
The appointing salary range for this role is $107,000 and $125,000 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution. Appointment within this range will depend on skills and experience.
Who are we looking for? - Ma wai te mahi nei?
The successful candidate will have:
- A post graduate degree (preferably Masters or higher) in Economics, Econometrics, Data Science, or a similar discipline.
- A strong economics and/or evaluation background, with solid written and verbal communication skills.
- The ability to undertake high quality economic analysis.
- Demonstrated experience in data analysis, statistical methods, including coding in "R" or a similar language would also be preferred.
- An understanding of international trade policy, the global trade architecture, and New Zealand's international trade profile would be advantageous, but is not essential.
Why MFAT? - Nga hua o te mahi i te Manatu Aorere
We are committed to a focus on leadership, talent, training, 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 - Mo matou
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.
To Apply/Interested? - Me pehea te tuku tono
Apply today with your CV and cover letter.
To be considered for this position at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade you must be a NZ citizen and be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret 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 Top Secret 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. If you have any questions or issues applying, please email recruitment@mfat.govt.nz
Applications close at midnight on Sunday 14th August 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.