Senior Development Programme Officer - FTC until October 2027

• Support the design and delivery of New Zealand’s international development investments
• Are you experienced in procurement and contract execution?
• Wellington based – Fixed Term Contract -until October 2027 - Parental cover

 Contribute to programme delivery, procurement, activity and finance management across a diverse portfolio.

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

The Design People and Planet Unit is responsible for leading business casing, design, procurement and contracting for Activities which fall under DEVPP remit. The team works closely with bilateral and regional programming teams to develop high-quality Activity designs and business cases aligned with Concept Note specifications.

The Senior Development Programme Officer role plays an important role in supporting the delivery of New Zealand’s international development cooperation programme. This role provides hands on support throughout the design and business casing, with a particular focus on leading on procurement and contracting. 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.

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

The salary range for this role is from $91,393 to midpoint $107,520 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 supporting procurement and contract execution
• Experience in programme, project or activity management in a development context. 
• Experience working in cross-cultural or international environments. 
• 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 rebecca.williams@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 Monday, 17 August 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.