2022/23 Vaka Policy Intern Opportunities (Nov 2022)

Aloha, Fakalofa lahi atu, Fakatalofa atu, Halo Olaketa, Ia orana, Kia orāna, Malō e lelei, Mālō nī, Mauri, Namaste, Ni sa bula, Tālofa lava, Tēnā koutou katoa, and warm Pacific greetings!

Tīmata te whai mahi māu me mātou | Start a career with us

We welcome Pasifika students to join us this summer as part of our Vaka Policy Internship programme. As a Vaka Policy Intern, you will gain valuable work experience and development opportunities, as well as an insight into the world of foreign policy and diplomacy. The internship is an excellent way to prepare for a graduate role with MFAT, or the wider public service.

Tūhono mai ki tā mātou hōtaka mō ngā ihumanea - Join our Internship Programme

MFAT is offering a paid three-month Internship Programme to Pasifika students with a range of skills, experiences, and backgrounds. This summer internship programme runs from November to February each year, and will provide you with the opportunity to be part of interesting work that is paid, and to start developing your career while you study.

As a Vaka Policy Intern, you may find yourself working on areas such as our relations with other countries, climate change, development in the Pacific, humanitarian activities, the United Nations and human rights, trade negotiations, or international security. All of these are important to the safety and prosperity, and ultimately the wellbeing of New Zealanders, including Pasifika.

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

MFAT is passionate about growing a diverse talent pipeline, and the Vaka internship programme is one aspect of the Ministry’s work to achieving this. Weaving diverse thinking in our policy advice and development programming is important if New Zealand’s foreign policy service is to remain relevant and cutting edge.   

For us, there's no "one size fits all".  We're looking for people who are curious about global challenges and other cultures. We’re looking for people who are keen to help make positive changes for New Zealand.  And because as Pasifika building effective relationships is intrinsic to our worldview, you'll enjoy working with people, which is an important part of diplomacy.

We encourage you to apply if you are:

• Studying towards a minimum of a Bachelor’s level qualification – in any discipline (it doesn’t have to be law, economics, or politics, although those fields are very welcome).
• Within your last year or two of study. 
• Willing and able to be based in Wellington between mid-November 2022 and mid-February 2023 (we’ll fly you to Wellington if you’re based elsewhere in Aotearoa).
• Able to show us your group participation skills (whether they come from cultural, community, church, volunteer, sports based or any other activities).
• A New Zealand citizen, and of Pacific descent. 
• Able to gain and maintain an appropriate security clearance (Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a security clearance. Please note that this tool is not part of the formal security clearance process).

So, whether you have been a volunteer within your community or church, part of university clubs, or hard at work to support your family, these are all relevant experiences. So make sure you apply!

Me pēhea te tuku tono - To Apply/Interested? 

Our application process will take you approx. 20 minutes,  You’ll need to complete the online application form and have a CV and unofficial transcript (we know this won't be your official one, so just send us where you are at so far) ready to upload.  Cover letters and references are not required at this stage. Please make sure you answer all of the questions to the best of your ability!

Applications close: midnight Sunday, 21st August 2022 (NZ standard time).