Programme Manager - Scholarships

The Ministry acts in the world to build a safer, more prosperous and more sustainable future for New Zealanders.

Kia hangai ake e te Manatu he ao-haumaru, ao-tonui, ao-pumau, ki te oranga tonutanga mo Aotearoa whanui.

Strategic role to make a meaningful impact

Opportunity in Global Development and Scholarships Division

Wellington based

Complex and rewarding role to deliver impactful, multigenerational outcomes!

About the role - Korero mo te turanga

This Programme Manager position is in the Scholarships Unit within the Global Development and Scholarships Division (GDS) in the Pacific and Development Group (PDG). The Scholarships Unit manages the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme (MNZSP) which provides opportunities to people from over 75 developing countries to study in New Zealand in the Pacific, online or in their home countries.

The position has responsibility for leading and overseeing comprehensive programme management, with a strong focus on financial tracking, compliance, and reporting to ensure effective and transparent delivery of the scholarships portfolio of activities (around 200 activities covering tertiary and short term scholars, short term courses and alumni engagement). This role will foster synergies and collaboration across the International Development Cooperation Programme, and support staff to strengthen capability in activity management best practice. The programme manager's role will contribute to enhancing the delivery excellence and achievement of outcomes for the IDC Programme.

• Programme delivery leadership.
• Use advanced data analysis to guide strategic decision-making and enhance programme performance.
• Supplier management and relationship management of key implementing partners - primarily ENZ.
• Understand the Ministry's strategic priorities and high-level outcomes framework and how this role contributes to the framework.

The official title is 'Programme Manager". For more detail you can request a copy of the position description by emailing recruitment@mfat.govt.nz

The salary range for this role is $124,674 to midpoint $146,675 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution. We expect to appoint depending on your level of experienc.

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

We'd like to hear from you if you have the following skills and experience:

• Minimum 5 years' experience managing programmes, projects or aid activities.
• Experience with adaptive and/or agile management.
• Demonstrated experience in project and programme set up, quality assurance, and capability delivery.
• Experience of financial management, forecasting, expenditure tracking and reporting, and managing risks, change and budgets.
• Knowledge of New Zealand government systems, including Public sector procurement and contract management processes and the Treasury Better Business Case model.
• Experience of governance and accountability frameworks.
• Understanding of The Treaty of Waitiangi/Te Tiriti , Te Reo Maori and Maori customs and protocols would be beneficial.

Why MFAT? - Nga hua o te mahi i te Manatu 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 - Mo matou

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 pehea 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 midnight on Thursday, 24 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.