Capital Programmes Manager

Turn investment outcomes into disciplined delivery

• Manage a complex international capital programme
• Build the capability and discipline to deliver well
• Join a new leadership team with significant scope to reshape how we work
• Wellington based, permanent full time

Deliver MFAT’s global capital investment programme and help build a faster, sharper and more disciplined approach to delivering the assets that support New Zealand’s presence around the world.

About the role – Kōrero mō te tūranga

MFAT manages a distinctive international asset portfolio operating across diverse markets, operating environments and risk settings. We are reshaping how that portfolio is managed, with a stronger focus on strategy, information, portfolio performance and disciplined investment and delivery.

As Capital Programmes Manager, you will be at the centre of turning those ambitions into tangible outcomes. Reporting to the Divisional Manager, you will manage the delivery, performance and assurance of MFAT’s global capital programme. You will take approved investment priorities and turn them into coordinated, well-governed and successfully delivered programmes of work across a complex international operating environment. This requires more than overseeing projects. You will create the programme discipline, governance, capability and delivery model needed to get investment moving and keep it moving. You will balance pace, cost, risk, quality and operational requirements, maintaining clear visibility of programme performance and intervening early when delivery moves off track.

You will work closely with portfolio, strategy and investment colleagues to ensure priorities are translated into realistic delivery programmes, sequenced intelligently and supported by the right capability. You will make smart use of internal and external expertise, ensuring MFAT has the capability it needs without assuming it needs to own all of that capability itself. As a member of the Asset Management Division leadership team, you will have a wider role in shaping the division itself: strengthening delivery disciplines, simplifying how we work and contributing to a more strategy-led, information-centred and high-performing asset management function. There is significant scope to improve how capital investment is delivered. We are looking for someone who sees that as the opportunity.

You will:

• Own capital programme performance, with clear accountability for delivery, financial performance, risk and assurance.
• Turn investment decisions into deliverable programmes, ensuring projects are properly defined, prioritised, sequenced and mobilised.
• Build delivery discipline, establishing strong programme governance, planning, controls, reporting and assurance.
• Create momentum, identifying barriers early, making pragmatic conclusions and keeping complex programmes moving.
• Deploy capability intelligently, bringing together the right internal and external expertise for the task rather than defaulting to traditional delivery models.
• Lift capital delivery capability, building a strong function, improving systems and processes and embedding continuous improvement.
• Help shape the future of AMD, contributing to the strategy, performance and evolution of the division as a member of its leadership team.

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

The salary range for this role is $ 206,497 to midpoint $ 242,937 total remuneration, inclusive of our KiwiSaver employer contribution. We expect to appoint depending on your level of experience. Some international travel will be required from time to time.

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

You will be a highly experienced capital programme leader who combines delivery discipline with pragmatic judgement. You are comfortable operating in complex environments where conditions change, stakeholders have competing requirements and straightforward projects can quickly become anything but straightforward. You know how to create clarity, establish strong controls and then maintain delivery momentum.

You will bring:

• Significant experience leading complex capital programmes or portfolios in property, infrastructure or other asset-intensive environments.
• Deep programme delivery capability, including governance, assurance, risk, financial management and programme controls.
• Strong commercial judgement and experience deploying internal, consultant and contractor capability effectively.
• The ability to turn investment choices into realistic, sequenced and executable delivery programmes.
• The judgement to balance pace, cost, quality and risk without losing sight of the outcome.
• The confidence to challenge, intervene and resolve delivery issues when required.
• Credibility with senior stakeholders and the ability to provide clear, trusted advice on complex programme matters.
• A track record of building high-performing teams, lifting organisational capability and driving continuous improvement.
• Understanding of The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti, Te Reo Māori and Māori customs and protocols would be beneficial.    

Most importantly, you will be motivated by the opportunity to build something better, not simply inherit and administer what exists today.

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 by submitting your CV and cover letter. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and suitable candidates may be invited to interview prior to the closing date.

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 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 Wednesday, 21 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.