Divisional Manager Audit and Risk

Divisional Manager Audit and Risk

• Permanent, Wellington-based leadership role
• Demonstrate the value of effective risk and assurance
• Provide insights that support the delivery of strategic outcomes

Take the lead in shaping the Ministry’s audit and risk strategies, driving excellence, and fostering a culture of collaboration and high performance.

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

The Divisional Manager Audit and Risk leads a small, well-respected team that provides assurance, risk management services, advice and insights to senior management and other key stakeholders to help the Ministry achieve its strategic, operational, financial, and compliance objectives. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the Audit and Risk team to deliver high quality internal audit, risk, and advisory services to the Ministry
• Ensuring the Division remains flexible, responsive, and up to date
• Proactively engaging across the Ministry  to promote the importance of a robust control environment
• Some overseas travel is required

For more detail you can view the position description here.

The full salary range for this role is $167,587 to $226,736 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution.

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

We’d like to hear from you if you are an experienced audit and risk leader with the following skills and experience:

• Excellence in leading a risk and assurance function that improves organisational performance
• Ability to lead a team and bring out the best in others
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders to achieve positive results
• 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.

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

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.

Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a Top-Secret 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 6pm on Monday 16th June 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.