Kaiwhakahaere Hōtaka | Programme Manager - Strategy, Stewardship and Performance | Flexible

Job Description

• Use your programme skills and experience to enable a real difference in environmental outcomes for Aotearoa 
• Permanent role
• Wellington based preferred

Mō te tūranga mahi | About the role   

We are seeking an experienced Programme Manager to play a lead role in the successful planning and delivery of critical programmes of work for MfE, to ultimately improve environmental outcomes for all New Zealanders.

This role sits in the Strategy, Stewardship & Performance (SSP) Group at the Ministry for the Environment. This Group uses data and evidence to inform policy, help advise ministers, set the Ministry's strategy to deliver on core priorities, and inform decision-making. Our integrated planning and programme delivery function helps the Ministry to prioritise its work then plan and deliver it.

Your role would be to programme manage the work of one or two related business groups, enabling the senior leadership team through delivery oversight. You will effectively plan and manage programmes focused on integration and outcomes while remaining flexible to evolving priorities. In this role you will be involved in planning, managing and leading complex programmes of work to deliver ministerial and organisational priorities aligned to MfE's strategic direction.

We are highly collaborative organisation and need programme managers with the confidence and communication skills to develop and manage relationships at all levels of the Ministry, as well as those working alongside us to deliver good environmental outcomes.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience   

• Relevant programme qualification (or equivalent work experience) such as MSP.  Minimum 5 - 7 years of experience managing successful complex programmes and projects, ideally in a policy environment.
• Depth in good practice programme planning and management and skilled in establishing consistent expectations of projects.  Balancing pragmatism with high-paced delivery.
• Understanding of the machinery of government, the Crown's obligation to Māori, and the role and work of the Ministry.
• Broad range of expert programme and project management skills, experience and techniques.  Depth of experience across a range of programmes including in policy setting, and business change.  Track record of delivering.
• Strong planning and facilitation of a range of workshops both in-person and virtually to achieve alignment and momentum.
• Coach and mentor for project-based kaimahi.
• Constructive problem-solving skills, able to negotiate through difference, deal with conflict effectively, identify issues, analyse situations, and implement effective solutions. Highly skilled in managing escalations.
• Highly skilled communicator, both written and verbal and able to communicate via a range of methods enabling clarity, transparency, trust and confidence as well as management of expectations.

Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau | Salary range  

Salary range for this role is $142,185 to $172,853 pa.  Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience.  

Ngā hua ka puta i te mahi ki MfE | Benefits of working at MfE  

• a flexible working approach to embrace a healthy work-life blend 
• agile ways of working, allowing you variety and challenges across the organisation as we work as ‘One MfE' 
• active employee networks including Māori Rōpū, Asian Network, Neurodivergent and Disability Networks, Women's Network, Tagata Moana (Pacific Peoples' Network), and Rainbow Network 
• opportunities for development and education.           

Check out other benefits of joining us and hear what our people say about Working at MfE | Ministry for the Environment.  

Tono ināianei | Apply now  

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and cover letter.  Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.     

If you require further information about this position please contact Bridget Fraser at bridget.fraser@mfe.govt.nz.  The position description is available via our careers centre www.mfe.govt.nz/jobs.  

The location for this role is flexible, however, a Wellington based candidate is preferred.  As a flexible friendly employer, we are happy to discuss solutions that may work for you and the business.  We value and care about enabling our people to work in a way that means they can work at their best.   

We are committed to providing equal opportunities and actively strive to be a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture.  We actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.  We are proud to be a Rainbow Tick and Gender Tick certified organisation and are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.   

We want to ensure any accessibility needs you may have are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all.  Therefore, please let us know if there are any adjustments or support we can offer to make the recruitment process more accessible to you.  Please contact us at vacancy@mfe.govt.nz if you would like to discuss any accessibility needs you may have.  

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.  

Please note, we will be progressing candidates to interview prior to the closing date so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:   Thursday, 13 November 2025