Senior Economist

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.

About the role - Korero mo te turanga

As a senior member of the Economic Advice and Institutions team you will provide economic analysis and advice to teams across the Ministry and other government agencies to contribute to New Zealand's economic and trade policy development.

This includes developing analysis to understand the economic benefits and impacts of New Zealand's trade architecture, such as FTA's and plurilateral arrangements.

You will be responsible for providing analysis of domestic and global events and advice on the trade and economic implications for New Zealand exporters and the economy more broadly.

In addition, you will undertake research to understand the productive sustainable and inclusive channels though which trade impacts the economic outcomes for New Zealanders, businesses, and the macro-economy.

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, APEC and SAEI.

Relationship management is a key part of the role and you will be expected to develop and maintain outcome oriented relationships with key stakeholders in domestic economic agencies, global economic institutions, and with international bilateral counterparts.

You will act as an important mentor to lift the Ministry's trade data literacy and economic capability.

For more detail you can request a copy of the position description by emailing recruitment@mfat.govt.nz

The appointing range for this role is between $125,000 and $160,000 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution. Appointment within this range will depend on your level of experience.

Who are we looking for? - Ma wai te mahi nei?

• You will be a self-starter that is seeking a thought leadership opportunity to build your skills and career as an economist and economic adviser.
• We are looking for someone with a highly analytical mind who has strong foundational economic qualifications and significant experience in applying economic frameworks to understand global issues.
• We are seeking someone with demonstrated experience using the insights from their analysis to advise decision makers. In particular, we are looking for someone who is looking to enhance their existing, or seeking to develop new credentials in assessing the role trade policy plays in enhancing New Zealand's economic performance.
• You will need to have very strong written and verbal communication skills and significant experience developing written economic analysis (preferably including quantitative techniques).
• Experience operating in policy-based environments, including success working with other Government agencies will be a strong advantage.
• This stimulating and challenging role will prove rewarding to someone who has a personal growth mindset and is passionate about the importance of trade and international connections for New Zealand's future economic prosperity.

Why MFAT? - Nga hua o te mahi i te Manatu 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 - 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.

It is a requirement of the role that you must be able to obtain and maintain Top Secret New Zealand Government security clearance.

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, please contact recruitment@mfat.govt.nz

Applications close midnight on Sunday 18th May, 2025.

Please note: This is not a Foreign Policy/diplomatic role. This is a specialist role based in central Wellington, New Zealand.

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.