Chief Technology Officer - Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)

• Wellington-based
• Permanent leadership role
• Total remuneration: $198,090 to $233,047, incl. of KiwiSaver

Shape the future of technology for New Zealand on the global stage!

We’re offering a rare opportunity for a visionary and experienced technology leader to take the helm of MFAT’s digital operations. As CTO, you’ll lead the transformation of our global technology environment—balancing resilience, integrity, and innovation to support New Zealand’s international presence.

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

As Chief Technology Officer, you will drive the operational excellence of MFAT’s Platforms and Infrastructure function, with an eye on the future. This includes:

• Leading our global digital foundations: networking, infrastructure, cloud, applications, databases, integrations, technical support, and end-user devices.
• With a solid grounding in traditional systems, you will champion a modern, cloud-first approach while maintaining the reliability and integrity of legacy systems.
• Collaborating as a key member of the Information Management Division (IMD) leadership team to foster a safe, inclusive, and high-performing environment.
• Overseeing core application support and enhancements aligned with enterprise and domain roadmaps.
• Ensuring secure, high-performing technology operations across multiple jurisdictions and time zones.
• Providing strategic leadership across Technical Support Services, with occasional international travel.

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

The salary range for this role is $198,090 to $233,047 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution. We expect to appoint depending on your level of experience.  

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

We’re seeking a dynamic, senior technology leader who brings:

• 10+ years’ experience in senior technology leadership roles, ideally in very complex or global environments.
• Proven success in managing ICT infrastructure, cloud transformation, software development, and systems architecture, including the commercial relationship experience to work well with our partners.
• A strong grounding in traditional enterprise IT, with a forward-looking approach to modernisation and innovation.
• Exceptional leadership and team-building skills, with a track record of developing high-performing, collaborative teams.
• A strategic mindset and operational excellence, with a focus on safety, efficiency, and service delivery.
• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Reo Māori, and Māori customs and protocols is beneficial.

Why MFAT? - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Aorere?

At MFAT, you’ll be part of a purpose-driven organisation that represents New Zealand globally. We offer:

• A chance to lead technology in a high-trust, high-impact environment.
• Flexible work options and a strong focus on leadership development.
• A diverse and inclusive workplace—MFAT is Rainbow Tick accredited.
• Opportunities to contribute to New Zealand’s international relationships and global presence.

Check out our benefits page to find out more about why we love working here.

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 New Zealand Citizen for 10 years.

You must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance. 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.

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 Tuesday, 26 August 2025. 

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.