Development Programme Officer - 1 Perm & 1 FTC

• Support the design and delivery of New Zealand’s international development investments.
• Contribute to programme delivery, procurement, activity and finance management across a diverse portfolio
• 2 x roles: Wellington based  - 1 permanent position & 1 Fixed term Contract – 12 months , till end of June 2027 (Secondment for internals)

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) is seeking a Development Programme Officer to join the Design People and Planet Unit (DZPP) and a Fixed Term for Design Economy and Prosperity Unit (DZECO) within the Pacific and Development Group.

DZPP sits within the wider Development People and Planet (DEVPP) division which leads New Zealand’s development investments across sectors including health, education, climate change and environment, governance, law and justice, and inclusion. The DZPP Unit is responsible for leading business casing, design, procurement and contracting for Activities within the DEVPP portfolio, while also providing ongoing guidance and operational support to teams managing activities through implementation. This is an opportunity to contribute to development investments that help to create a more secure, prosperous and resilient world in which every person is able to realise their human rights and fulfil their potential.

DZECO sits within the wider Development Economy and Prosperity (DEVECO) division which leads New Zealand’s development investments across sectors including digital transformation, agriculture, tourism, private sector, labour mobility, oceans and fisheries, and public finance management and economics. The DZECO Unit is responsible for leading business casing, design, procurement and contracting for Activities within the DEVECO portfolio, while also providing ongoing guidance and operational support to teams managing activities through implementation. This is an opportunity to contribute to development investments that support sustainable economic resilience and prosperity outcomes across the Pacific and beyond.

This role provides hands on support throughout the design and business casing, procurement, contracting, and ongoing management of development activities. You will also contribute to effective programme delivery by supporting the systems, processes, guidance and operational coordination that underpins consistent, high-quality delivery across a diverse portfolio. Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting Advisers to plan and progress business cases and Activity designs
• Leading on Activity procurement, contracting, and due diligence processes
• Assisting programme and activity managers with budgeting, forecasting, and performance monitoring of a diverse portfolio
• Providing timely advice and support on the use of activity management systems and processes
• Ensuring consistent application and compliance with MFAT business processes and activity quality standards
• Working collaboratively with internal teams, Posts, and external partners to support effective implementation and delivery

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

PD PDG DPO Design People and Planet

PD PDG DPO Design Economy and Prosperity

The salary range for this role is $72,341 to midpoint $80,379 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?

We’d like to hear from you if you have the following skills and experience:

• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in project, programme or portfolio coordination   
• Experience in administrative or programme support roles, preferably in the public sector or in international development
• Confidence working with information systems, data management, and supplier engagement
• An understanding of programme and activity management, and familiarity with procurement and budgeting processes
• Strong organisational skills, clear communication, and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to influence and advice a range of stakeholders on operational matters
• The ability to work collaboratively across teams and contribute to continuous improvement
• Cultural competence, including an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tikanga‑led approaches (or willingness to develop)

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 elliott.kirton@mfat.govt.nz for the Permanent role and alison.riley@mfat.govt.nz for the Fixed term role.

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

You must be able to obtain and maintain a Confidential 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.

Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a Confidential. 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 Sunday, 31 May 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.