Portfolio Manager

Lead strategic oversight of New Zealand’s international development portfolio.

Use data and insight to guide investment, risk, and performance decisions.

Wellington based – permanent full time

Shape global development outcomes through portfolio planning and reporting.

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

The Portfolio Management Unit will be responsible for supporting the effective planning and governance of IDC funding through strategic oversight, advice, and governance and reporting on IDC funding performance management, effectiveness, and compliance. Management of IDC funding risk, including advice on risk tolerance.  The Unit will be responsible for IDC funding expenditure forecasting and foresight and leading the IDC Programme’s Planning and Results function. It will provide data, accountability reporting, and insights both internal and external (e.g. OECD DAC, annual public reporting, Ministerial briefings, and select committee reporting). The Unit will work closely with the Finance Division and Audit and Risk Division to ensure effective fiscal management and investment compliance.

The Portfolio Manager leads the oversight and analysis of New Zealand’s international development cooperation investment portfolio. Located within the Portfolio Management Unit, this role focuses on whole-of-portfolio performance, risk, and strategic alignment. It provides insights to support investment decisions, planning, and reporting across the Ministry.

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

The salary range for this role is $ 127,417 to midpoint $ 149,902 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 are experienced with the following skills and experience:

• Experience in strategic portfolio management and analysis. 
• Experience working with large datasets and performance metrics. 
• Experience in investment planning and risk management. 
• Experience representing New Zealand in cross-agency or international forums. 
• 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, or 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 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 Tuesday, 14 April 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.