Programme Coordination Lead

•  Bring structure to complexity
• Support delivery at scale
• Help make major programmes succeed
• Wellington based, permanent full time

Help drive the successful delivery of MFAT's global capital programme by providing the coordination, insight and governance that keeps complex projects moving.

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

The Programme Coordination Lead plays a key role in supporting the successful delivery of MFAT's global capital programme.

Reporting to the Capital Programmes Manager, you'll provide programme-wide coordination, governance, reporting and oversight across a diverse portfolio of capital projects. You'll help ensure leaders have the information, controls and visibility they need to make informed decisions while supporting effective delivery across multiple workstreams and stakeholders.

This is an opportunity to sit at the centre of a significant investment programme, helping bring structure to complexity, strengthen programme capability and contribute to the successful delivery of projects that support New Zealand's international presence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate programme planning, governance and reporting across a portfolio of capital projects.
• Maintain visibility of programme risks, issues, dependencies, budgets and delivery performance.
• Provide timely, accurate and decision-ready information to support programme leadership and governance forums.
• Lead and develop programme coordination staff while promoting consistency and best practice.
• Drive continuous improvement across programme controls, reporting and delivery support functions.

For more detail you can view a copy of the position description here.

The salary range for this role is $109,112 to midpoint $128,367 total remuneration, inclusive of our KiwiSaver employer contribution. We expect to appoint depending on your level of experience.  

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

As a highly organised and proactive leader who enjoys bringing structure to complex programmes and helping others succeed you bring:

• Experience in programme, portfolio or project coordination within complex delivery environments
• Strong understanding of programme governance, reporting, assurance and control processes
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and competing demands
• Experience guiding coaching or developing staff, or a demonstrated readiness for people leadership
• Strong communication, stakeholder management and analytical skills, with the ability to turn information into meaningful insights.
• Understanding of The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti, Te Reo Māori and Māori customs and protocols would be beneficial.   

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 consistent with guidance from the Public Service Commission.  Check out our benefits page to find out more about why we love working here.

MFAT is Rainbow Tick accredited. We value diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive culture where everyone feels supported, valued, and a sense of belonging.  We welcome applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds. 

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. 

To Apply/Interested? - Me pēhea te tuku tono

Apply today with your CV and cover letter.

For a confidential discussion please email: recruitment@mfat.govt.nz

To be considered for this position at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade you must be a NZ citizen. 

You must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance at the required level. Ordinarily, to obtain this level of clearance candidates must have sufficient checkable background in countries where meaningful and reliable checks can be undertaken. Where requisite checks are unable to be made, the candidate application may not be able to be progressed.

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

Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Applications close at midnight on Monday, 26 October 2026. 

Please note: This is not a Foreign Policy/diplomatic role.  This is a ‘Corporate’ role (known here as a specialist role based in central Wellington, NZ.  

While it is not usual for specialist staff to be ‘posted’ outside of NZ, from time to time a specialist role overseas becomes available at one of our embassies, high commissions, missions or consulates. To be considered for one of these positions you would need to apply and be considered via a competitive recruitment process.

If you do have an interest in an MFAT foreign policy/diplomatic career, you would be welcome to apply for this either via our graduate recruitment or mid-level foreign policy recruitment campaigns.