Unit Manager - Economic and External Strategy at The Treasury, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Unit Manager - Economic and External Strategy

How can New Zealand lift productivity, navigate global risks and make the most of its connections with the world?

Lead people tackling these questions in our Economic and External Strategy team. Our work spans economic performance, economic security, the Māori economy, international engagement and advice on foreign affairs and development spending. As Unit Manager, you’ll bring out the best in analysts and policy professionals, turning complex issues into practical advice for Ministers and working across government to drive progress. You’ll have scope to lead across this varied portfolio, shaped by your strengths and the team’s priorities.

Mō mātou | About Us

At The Treasury Te Tai Ōhanga we're creating a better future for New Zealand and everyone who calls our country home. We're the Government's economic and financial advisor, working hard to raise the standard of living for everyone in Aotearoa, now and in the future.

Our people bring diverse backgrounds and experience to tackling New Zealand's biggest, interconnected issues, advising Ministers, Crown CEOs and Government decision-makers.

Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the Role

The Economic and External Strategy team is at the centre of Treasury’s economic advice function - bringing together economic policy, strategy, and international engagement.

We lead advice and coordination on:

• New Zealand’s economic performance and productivity (including the Māori economy), emerging issues and the Government’s economic strategy
• Economic security and resilience - identifying and responding to international risks and opportunities facing New Zealand
• The Treasury and Minister of Finance’s international engagement, including with international financial institutions, APEC and the OECD, and building connections in the Pacific
• The Foreign Affairs and International Development Cooperation budget

You’ll lead and develop analysts and policy professionals to:

• Set priorities, manage resources and deliver results as demands change.
• Provide robust economic analysis and clear, practical advice to Ministers and senior decision-makers.
• Build capability and foster an inclusive, collaborative environment.
• Build partnerships across Treasury, government and external organisations to strengthen advice and system performance.
• Work with other leaders to shape priorities and connect work across the team’s portfolios.

Your portfolio will reflect your strengths and the team’s priorities and could span any part of our work.  The role could involve international travel but being available for that is not a requirement. Part-time options may be available for the right candidate.

Ō pūmanawa | About You

We welcome people from a wide range of academic, cultural and social backgrounds and experiences. You will bring:

• People leadership skills, with the ability to coach, develop and bring out the best in others.
• Strong analytical skills, including experience testing assumptions, applying and adapting economic and policy frameworks and drawing clear, defensible conclusions, with a particular focus on economic issues
• Strategic and delivery leadership, strong influencing and communication skills, and confidence exercising judgement in ambiguity.
• Experience advising Ministers would be an advantage

Ko ngā hua | What We Offer 

This is an important job and that's why we'll do all we can to support your success. Flexible work arrangements and five weeks annual leave, along with a range of other health and wellbeing initiatives, will help you to enjoy a positive work/life balance. Our numerous social events, sports teams and employee networks will enable you to connect and have fun. 

The wharenui, at the heart of our workplace, embodies our commitment to diversity and making this an inclusive place that will welcome the unique experiences and perspectives you bring to our collaborative team culture. 

We'll prioritise your development, offering you opportunities to train and advance your chosen career. The work will stimulate and challenge you, helping you learn, grow and build valuable experience and skills. 

Tono mai ināianei | Apply now to shape your, and New Zealand's, tomorrow. 

Apply online. Applications close 11:55pm on 22 November 2026 

For more information and a kōrero please contact us at talent@treasury.govt.nz 

Kia Pono (Making a Difference) | Kia Whakamana  (Enhancing Mana) | Kia Hono (Achieving Together)