Unit Manager Workplace Experience and Capability at Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade, Wellington

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.  

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

The People Division has recently implemented a new structure to better align our work with future priorities.  As part of this, several now opportunities have emerged for talented people to join us and help shape the next phase of our work.

Reporting to the Chief People Officer, this is a key position within the division, leading a unit of 14 people responsible for developing and implementing the division’s strategy and approach to leadership capability development, organisational capability and learning needs, workplace culture and engagement, and diversity and inclusion as well as designing and delivering initiatives that enhance the workplace experience and build organisational capability across the Ministry. 

This position also ensures the Ministry has an effective and fit for purpose workforce strategy and plan. 

Employee wellbeing and support is a key accountability for this position – this includes ensuring access by staff to various support services (such as EAP), inhouse counselling, and access by partners and dependents of staff when posted offshore to support services.

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

The full salary range for this position is $171,274 and $231,724 total remuneration, inclusive of KiwiSaver employer contribution.

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

We’d like to hear from you if you have the following skills and experience, ideally in a foreign or other international facing ministry:

• Extensive experience implementing and delivering effective and efficient strategies and programmes of work
• Previous experience in a leadership role or other senior people leadership position.
• In-depth experience and demonstrated thought leadership in the areas of leadership and culture, design thinking, and organisational development and design, diversity and inclusion.
• Demonstrated experience in the provision of wellbeing and staff support services.

• Degree relevant to the role.

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 an appropriate New Zealand 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 Top Secret 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 Wednesday, 18th February, 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.