The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade manages the Government's business with foreign countries and their governments, and with international organisations (such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation).

Staff recruited into the external policy group rotate between positions in Wellington and positions overseas in New Zealand's Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates. External policy staff fill positions such as desk officer in a regional or global division, and Second Secretary positions at overseas posts. Senior policy officers take on greater management responsibilities and may eventually progress to Director positions in Wellington divisions, and Ambassador or High Commissioner positions overseas.

The Ministry looks for graduates with a high quality graduate university degree (honours level or higher), or a conjoint degree which includes an LLB, to join the Ministry as External Relations Policy Officers. Some subjects have particular relevance to the work of the Ministry (such as political and strategic studies, economics, law, history and languages) but is open to applications from all disciplines. You should be interested in international affairs and New Zealand's place in the world, want to use your analytical skills on issues of importance to New Zealand, and be attracted to the challenge of working overseas in a wide range of different environments.

Applications close annually at the end of May and are advertised on-line and in all the major daily newspapers. University students in their final year of study are encouraged to submit their CV and academic record with a covering letter through their Careers Advisory Service. For more info, check out their website: http://www.mfat.govt.nz/.

See Also:

Graduate Profiles
Guidelines and Requirements for the BA
Guidelines and Requirements for the BSocSc