Policy Officer - Trade Affairs (Fixed-Term) - Local Agent Group 1

Local Agent Group 1 – Policy Officer – Trade Affairs (Fixed‑Term) Posted 16.07.2026 – Fixed‑term position covering a maternity leave from 14 September 2026 to 14 March 2027, with a possible six‑month extension. The European Union (EU) is an economic and political partnership between 27 European countries. It plays a vital role in international affairs through diplomacy, trade, development aid and working with global organisations. The EU is represented abroad through more than 140 diplomatic representations, known as EU Delegations. The EU Delegation to New Zealand in Wellington, established in 2016, carries out official relations with New Zealand and works closely with the diplomatic missions of EU Member States accredited to New Zealand. We are looking for an energetic, experienced, and highly motivated Policy Officer to join our multicultural office. The successful candidate will advise on economic, trade and investment relations between the EU and New Zealand, sustainability‑related developments and other EU policy areas such as intellectual property. A particular focus will be the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the EU and New Zealand. Other tasks may be assigned according to priorities in our bilateral engagement. We offer A full‑time temporary/fixed‑term Post of Policy Officer/Trade Affairs Officer in the Trade Section of the Delegation. In addition to the core duties, the recruit will be attributed functions depending on the needs of the Delegation. Work travel may be part of the tasks. Due to the time difference with Europe, participation in virtual meetings outside normal working hours (often in the evening) may be required from time to time. Applicants must have New Zealand nationality or residency and must currently reside in New Zealand. Duties Sectoral Reporting and Information to Head of Delegation and Headquarters Monitor and report regularly and in a timely fashion to Headquarters on all the areas assigned. Send regular press/media reviews concerning local coverage of issues of importance to Headquarters. Provide on request briefings, draft speeches, statements, press releases and articles. Provide early warnings on potential problems and disputes, with particular emphasis on market access issues. Information and communication, representation and participation in the host country/region Assist in the implementation of the EU‑New Zealand free trade agreement. Support the necessary working relations with the relevant national authorities (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry of Primary Industries, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and other ministries or regional organisations). State, explain and defend EU trade policies and EU position to domestic audiences, including local and regional authorities, press, civil society, business and academics. Participate in conferences, meetings and other public events. Monitoring, Analysis and Implementation of Trade Policy Follow all issues impacting the negotiation or implementation of bilateral or regional free trade agreements with the EU. Monitor New Zealand and regional policies in areas such as trade flows, forecasts, legislation, fiscal policy, tax system, financial services, land ownership regime, intellectual property rights, competition, foreign investment etc. Monitor New Zealand’s position in ongoing or planned multilateral, regional, or bilateral trade negotiations (WTO, FTA, etc.) and monitor regional integration matters related to trade. Management and Planning: contribute to other Section and Delegation activities Prepare and assist in missions from Headquarters. Contribute to the Delegation’s various reports, press and information activities and events in the areas assigned. Any other ad‑hoc tasks relating to the activities of the Trade Section and Delegation. The Candidate Should Have Good knowledge of New Zealand political and policy processes. Proven knowledge of EU trade and investment policies and programmes related to business and industry cooperation. Ability to engage with stakeholders and develop professional networks, including New Zealand government officials. Ability to prioritise, multi‑task, work under pressure and organise work to deliver results on time. Excellent drafting, communication and presentation skills. Ability to be a strong team player. Willingness to work outside normal working hours from time to time. Minimum Requirements / Eligibility Criteria (necessary for the application to be considered) Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (trade, economics, international relations, law). Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience. Excellent knowledge (C1) of English. Good knowledge of IT tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Webex, Zoom, etc.). New Zealand citizenship or residency / must currently reside in New Zealand. Assets/Selection Criteria (basis for awarding points to select the best applicant) Work history or network of connections in relations with government and political institutions and external stakeholders. Work experience in a multi‑national environment or a foreign entity (embassy, foreign company, international organisation). Previous experience linked to EU/European affairs, trade, investment, sustainability. Proficiency in another European language and/or in Māori language. How to Apply The applicant must apply by sending a cover letter, signed, and a detailed Curriculum Vitæ with the required information. A confirmation of nationality or, for non‑New Zealand citizens, a confirmation of residency visa in New Zealand allowing full‑time work and a current residency in the country must also be included. Cover letter, signed. Detailed Curriculum Vitæ (minimum: exact job titles, employment dates, employers’ names, detailed tasks). Confirmation of nationality or residency visa. Please send your application package in PDF format to: Delegation‑New‑[email protected]. Subject line: "Ref: LA1 TEMP - Trade Section (Fixed‑Term) / Surname, First Name". Deadline for the submission of applications: Friday, 07 August 2026 at 18:00 New Zealand Standard Time (NZST). Equal Opportunities The European Union is committed to an equal opportunities policy for all its employees and applicants for employment. The EU promotes gender equality, prevents discrimination on any grounds and maintains a zero‑tolerance approach to any form of harassment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds and ensure a service that is representative of society. Candidates with disabilities can request accommodation during the recruitment process. Data Protection Notice The application data will be processed in accordance with the data protection statement at https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/eeas-privacy-statement-data-protection-notice-purpose-processing-personal-data-related-recruitment_en. #J-18808-Ljbffr