Current Vacancies

AGENCY	Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
POSITION NUMBER	WN025
POSITION TITLE	Policy and Research Officer
CLASSIFICATION	LE3
SECTION	Policy
REPORTS TO (TITLE)	Second Secretary (Economics & Trade)
Salary	69,292.68 plus KiwiSaver

Due to the security requirement of the role, applications will only be accepted from citizens of New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Permanent residents of these countries are not eligible to apply. Evidence of citizenship is required at time of application.

About The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Australian High Commission is the official representative of the Australian Government in New Zealand. We provide a range of services to the public, including consular and passports and cultural relations services. We also act on behalf of various Australian Government authorities by representing Australia’s interest to local, regional and multilateral government and business organisations in New Zealand.

The role of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is to advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally. This involves strengthening Australia’s security, enhancing Australia’s prosperity, delivering an effective and high-quality overseas aid program and helping Australian travellers and Australians overseas. The department provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the Australian Government. DFAT also works with other Australian government agencies to drive coordination of Australia’s pursuit of global, regional and bilateral interests.

About the position

Under direction, the Policy and Research Officer support’s the Australian High Commission in Wellington to understand and promote Australia’s interests in New Zealand and to strengthen the bilateral relationship. The Policy and Research Officer produce’s written reports, research and administrative support across a range of political, trade/economic, public diplomacy and international issues and policies.

Key responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:

Undertaking research and analysis, including on New Zealand's domestic political, trade/economic, social, climate change, health, security, immigration and international policy and positions.
Drafting written products, including correspondence, reports on key issues, talking points, briefings, speeches, media summaries and cables.
Developing and maintaining an understanding of Australia’s interests in New Zealand.
Liaising with stakeholders to support advocacy by the Australian High Commission, including meeting with officials, commentators and business representatives.
Supporting the delivery of visit programs for Australian Ministers, senior officials and Australian High Commission officers; and
Participating in Australian High Commission events and communications activities.
Perform other duties as directed.

Required Qualifications and Experience

The Policy and Research Officer must have:

Achieved a relevant tertiary qualification with excellent results.
A sound understanding of New Zealand’s political, foreign policy, trade or economic environment.
Strong written and oral communication, attention to detail, and organisational and time management skills, including to meet deadlines and prioritise tasks effectively.
A capacity to manage stakeholders; and
A demonstrated ability to work well in a team environment.

Experience working in a professional setting is desirable.

What we offer the Successful candidate

Annual salary NZD$69,292.68 plus KiwiSaver employer contribution equivalent to 6% of salary.
Comprehensive leave entitlements including uncapped sick leave and an additional 2 days of Public Holidays (on top of the 12 NZ Public Holidays)
Performance rewards
Full-time hours – 37.5 hours per week
Complimentary use of the staff gym and squash court
A great team environment.

How to Apply

Applications including a one-page pitch and maximum two-page CV and proof of citizenship (e.g.: passport) should be emailed to [email protected]

A merit list will be created and used for future vacancies.

Applications close NZDT 10am 23 February 2026.

Employment at the High Commission in Wellington is based on merit.

To be eligible for selection, all candidates must:

Satisfy the essential job requirements and meet any security clearance conditions
Candidates must have the right to live and work in New Zealand or hold the relevant work permit.
A selection committee is used where a number of candidates are to be assessed
A list of suitable candidates may be established whenever the High Commission completes a selection process

Overseas Applicants, Please Note the Following

The Australian High Commission in Wellington does not sponsor applicants for New Zealand work visas.

The Australian High Commission will not be responsible for the cost of relocation, nor the return of the staff member and family to their country of origin at the end of the contract. All relocation costs are at the expense of the officer, including travel, personal effects, and accommodation in New Zealand.

The Recruitment and Selection Process

All positions advertised at the Australian High Commission, Wellington have a job description setting out the responsibilities and tasks of the job and the key competencies, skills, and/or qualifications required to perform in the position.

Resumes are reviewed based on the applicant’s skills, qualifications, and relative suitability to the role. Those applicants considered most suitable may be contacted for interview.

A selection committee may be established to assess applicants against the requirements of the job. There are no restrictions on the way in which applicants are assessed but they must be compared fairly. Examples of ways to gather information about the suitability of an applicant include, but are not limited to:

Requesting a CV and/or a written application
Asking applicants to address specific requirements of the job, or make a ‘pitch’ – written or by video
Conducting interviews face to face or via video
Written or verbal testing, including psychological or aptitude testing
Seeking example of past work
Contacting referees