Refugee and Protection Officer

Join the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) as a Refugee and Protection Officer (RPO) in a challenging and rewarding permanent full-time position based in Auckland CBD. This exciting opportunity offers the chance to join a fun, supportive, and high-performing team within the Refugee Status Unit (RSU), where you'll make meaningful decisions that directly impact people's lives while upholding New Zealand's international humanitarian obligations.

As a Refugee and Protection Officer, you will be making critical decisions on refugee and protection status in accordance with New Zealand and international law. This role involves conducting comprehensive interviews with claimants, performing detailed investigations, analyzing complex information from multiple sources, and writing high-quality, legally sound decisions that can fundamentally change lives.

The RSU plays a vital role in upholding New Zealand's obligations under international human rights instruments and is part of the Refugee Migrant Services Branch of Immigration New Zealand, which manages the Government's commitments to asylum seekers, quota refugees, and recent migrants.

• Conduct thorough and sensitive interviews with asylum seekers and protection claimants from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds
• Perform comprehensive research and analysis of country-of-origin information, legal precedents, and relevant case law
• Investigate and verify claims through detailed examination of evidence and documentation
• Write clear, well-reasoned, and legally compliant decisions on refugee and protection status determinations
• Utilize research, analysis, writing, and communication skills to make fair and balanced determinations
• Collaborate effectively with interpreters, legal representatives, and other stakeholders in the refugee determination process
• Maintain accurate case files and documentation in accordance with legal and administrative requirements
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training to stay current with evolving legal frameworks
• Handle sensitive and potentially traumatic information with appropriate care and confidentiality
• Meet strict deadlines while maintaining high standards of decision-making quality

• Legal Knowledge: Familiarity with the Refugee Convention, Convention Against Torture, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
• Legislative Understanding: Comprehensive understanding of the Immigration Act 2009 and other relevant international human rights instruments
• Case Law Expertise: Knowledge of New Zealand refugee case law, particularly decisions from the Immigration and Protection Tribunal
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, with particular strength in legal writing
• Education: Tertiary qualification in a relevant field (such as law, international relations, human rights, or social sciences) or equivalent knowledge and experience in refugee status determination
• Security Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a national security clearance as required
• Citizenship: New Zealand citizenship or Permanent Resident Visa status required
• Personal Qualities: Agility, flexibility, strong organizational skills, cultural competence, and ability to work effectively under pressure
• Decision-Making: Demonstrated ability to apply legal principles in making objective, well-reasoned decisions
• Interpersonal Skills: Capability to interact sensitively and professionally with people from diverse backgrounds and potentially traumatic circumstances

MBIE's mission is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders. We achieve this by working collaboratively to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities, and works to ensure quality housing is more affordable.

Our work is guided by our core values:

• Mahi Tahi - Better Together
• Maia - Bold and brave
• Pae Kahurangi - Build our Future
• Pono Me Te Tika - Own It

MBIE recognizes the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Māori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti through enduring, meaningful, and effective partnerships with iwi, Māori, and other Māori groups and organizations.

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• Extensive training and professional development opportunities
• Supportive team environment with experienced mentors
• Meaningful work that makes a real difference in people's lives
• Opportunity to contribute to New Zealand's humanitarian obligations
• Career advancement opportunities within a large government organization
• Work-life balance in a professional government setting

This role offers the unique opportunity to combine legal expertise with humanitarian values while serving New Zealand's commitment to international protection