Project Coordinator - Head Office Relocation

Programme Coordinator

• Fixed-term opportunity to March 2026
• Key role in the relocation to MFAT’s new Head Office
• Work across a wide variety of projects/workstreams.

We are seeking an experienced programme/senior project coordinator to help ensure MFAT is ready and able to move to, and work effectively from, its new Head Office in February 2026.

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

Our vision is to create a modern, sustainable workplace which

• enables MFAT’s people to collectively deliver our role and functions, both now and in the future
• supports the well-being of MFAT’s people
• connects us as a community, and supports collaboration with our external partners
• demonstrates our values, and our identity as Aotearoa New Zealand and MFAT.

Over the last two years the Ministry has managed a programme of work across our new Head Office fit-out, business/people change and office relocation logistics. We are now getting ready to move. The Programme Coordinator will be at the heart of planning and monitoring all of the activities required to safely move the Ministry’s critical functions and people to the new Head Office. They will provide critical support to Project Managers as they monitor progress, manage risks and issues, and support business teams through the relocation.

The role requires a highly organised individual to:

• Input to Integrated plans, monitor and report programme progress across multiple workstreams and functions
• Manage and monitor related  risks, issues, interdependencies, assurance, and change requests
• Support governance oversight and stakeholder management   
• Maintain robust, consistent project processes, controls and standards.

For more detail you can request a copy of the position description by emailing recruitment@mfat.govt.nz

The full salary range for this role is $76,363 and $103,314 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 programme or senior project coordinator with the following skills and experience:

• Demonstrated experience in applying best practice programme/project disciplines across complex and/or multiple projects (ideally with exposure to relocation, property/construction and/or physical security projects)
• Understanding of different programme/project methodologies and proficiency with planning tools such as MS Project and Procore
• Excellent written and verbal communication and stakeholder management skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with diverse teams and functions
• 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 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 6pm on Tuesday 22nd of April 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