Project and Change Lead

Project and Change Lead

• Take the lead on complex business change projects
• Develop and drive change management strategies
• Fixed term opportunity to June 2027, based in Wellington

An opportunity to join our pilot change delivery team contributing to the delivery of a portfolio of initiatives and shaping the future of MFAT’s business-led change.

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

The Project and Change Lead plays a pivotal role in driving business transformation by leading the delivery of change initiatives aligned with organisational demand.

Key duties include but not limited to:

• Lead high-impact business change projects from end to end—scoping, planning, stakeholder engagement, and risk management—ensuring alignment with both strategic goals and operational needs.
• Design and deliver change management strategies to support successful adoption of new systems and processes, including training, communication, and end-user support.
• Influence and advise senior leaders, providing expert recommendations on project direction, risk mitigation, and delivery approaches to drive informed decision-making.
• Manage and lead project teams and vendors, ensuring the right resources are in place and effectively coordinated to deliver quality outcomes.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships, ensuring project objectives stay aligned with the Ministry’s strategic framework and fostering collaboration across teams.

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

The full salary range for this role is $127,417 and $172,387 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution. We expect to appoint around the midpoint $149,902 – give or take 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 an experienced leader with the following skills and experience:

• The role requires that an individual has a number of years (8+) of successful project delivery of large and complex projects and has successfully managed more than one project simultaneously.
• Experience in leading large multi-functional project teams with multiple workstreams and across multiple divisions, both onshore and offshore.
• Experience in leading, planning, and delivering Change Management strategies and plans.
• Strong people leadership skills with ability to influence and persuade.
• Must be able to demonstrate strong experience in enforcing and establishing governance for projects.
• 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 Tim.jevon@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 6pm on Sunday 21st September 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.