Policy Adviser (Multilateral), NZ Permanent Mission, Geneva

• Shape and advance New Zealand’s human rights and health and diplomacy in the Human Rights Council and WHO
• Advance New Zealand’s foreign and development policy
• Based at the Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva

Join a dynamic, high performing team representing New Zealand’s foreign, development and health policy interests in Geneva.

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

This Multilateral Policy Adviser position is a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of New Zealand’s human rights and health diplomacy interests.

You’ll manage New Zealand’s engagement with the Human Rights Council, WHO, and other key organistions, with a particular focus on the rights of women and girls (working closely with New Zealand teams in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry of Health and others). You’ll provide insights on trends and important developments in areas of interest and relevance to New Zealand’s foreign policy priorities.

• Your monitoring, reporting and advice on international human rights and global health is critical to the Permanent Mission’s success.
• You’ll develop and support opportunities for New Zealand to profile its engagement and contribution to international human rights and health issues and events.
• You’ll contribute to the Permanent Mission’s pool of knowledge and relationships that matter: decision-makers, policy-makers, thinkers and influencers. This includes developing and maintaining complex relationships with Member States and international agencies.
• As a UN Delegate representing a Member State, you’ll attend in-person and online meetings and negotiations.
• Please carefully review the position description for detailed information about this role.

The appointment range is CHF99,638 to CHF117,222 - negotiable depending on experience.

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

We would like to hear from you if you are an experienced policy adviser and you:

• have proven skills in written and oral communication including the ability to effectively present New Zealand positions and negotiate for desired outcomes.
• demonstrate ability to work autonomously within guidelines, with sound judgement and a keen sense of political sensitivity and acumen.
• can quickly form professional networks, while demonstrating cultural sensitivity.
• have a proven ability to operate in a fast-paced and busy environment, adapt to ambiguity and changing situations, balance priorities and work to tight deadlines.
• have a strong knowledge of New Zealand society and culture and sense of New Zealand identity including tikanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles.

You would ideally be available to commence duties in Geneva in July 2026.

Why MFAT? - 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.

We are also working to grow the diversity of our workforce and the inclusive nature of our workplace. Click on our diversity and inclusion page to find out more.

About us - Mō mātou

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.

Please note:

This is not a diplomatic staff role.  This is a ‘Staff Employed at Post’ (locally engaged) role based in Geneva.  

If the successful candidate has worked or lived in New Zealand and are subsequently employed as locally engaged staff in a New Zealand Government Embassy or High Commission (in this case the Permanent Mission), they may, subject to individual circumstances, have New Zealand Tax Residency obligations and be considered as On Government Service by New Zealand Inland Revenue (IRD). We strongly advise any applicant, who may be in this situation, to discuss their tax residency status with the IRD and determine any potential personal tax obligations to IRD.

To Apply/Interested? - Me pēhea te tuku tono

To find out more or to apply, please email your CV and cover letter (of no more than 2 pages) to mission.nz@bluewin.ch with the subject line “MULTILATERAL POLICY ADVISER VACANCY”.

DO NOT use the 'Apply with Seek' or 'Apply' buttons below. Only applications emailed to the above email address will be considered.

Applications must be in English and be received by 9pm on Monday 16 March 2026 (New Zealand Time).

You must be a New Zealand Citizen and able to obtain and maintain an appropriate NZ Government Security clearance.

Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a Confidential security clearance. Please note that this tool is not part of the formal security clearance process: http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool

The successful candidate will be responsible for their own relocation to Geneva but the Permanent Mission will assist with obtaining a legitimation card, an authorization to work for a diplomatic mission in Switzerland.

For further information about the Permanent Mission you can find us on Twitter @NZUNGVA and at our web address.