Foreign policy officer
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours but may work evenings or weekends or be on call
- Usually work in embassies, high commissions and consulates, and may travel nationally and internationally
- Need to be responsible, communicate well and identify and solve problems
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Develop foreign policies
- Promote New Zealand overseas
- Report on government decisions and money matters
- Propose solutions to international issues
- Work with local officials overseas
- Enable selling of New Zealand goods
- Give advice about environmental policies
- Write reports about international trade
- Tell businesses about trade rules
Outlook
Foreign policy work is shaped by a less predictable global environment, including regional security, trade relationships, climate change, migration and international rules. For New Zealand, maintaining strong connections in the Pacific and Indo-Pacific remains important. Digital diplomacy, economic security and climate-related negotiations are becoming more significant, while international events can quickly change priorities.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Strong written communication and clear briefing skills
- Ability to research, analyse and explain complex issues
- Interest in international affairs, trade and global events
- Cultural awareness and respect for different perspectives
- Sound judgement, discretion and professional integrity
- Ability to build constructive relationships and work collaboratively
AUT programmes
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
Further study options
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.