Pacific Security Programme Manager

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Lead a high-impact programme strengthening Pacific immigration security and capacity.
• Work at the intersection of international relations, policy, and regional development.
• Build partnerships across the Pacific and represent New Zealand on the global stage.
• Enjoy a leadership role that combines strategy, mentoring, and stakeholder engagement.
• Be part of a team committed to growing Aotearoa New Zealand for all.
• Permanent full-time role based at Wellington or Auckland (Manukau).
• Salary range: $132,417 - $160,472 + KiwiSaver + Wellness benefits

Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:

As Pacific Security Programme Manager – Hakili Matagi, you will lead and manage the Pacific Security team to deliver the Hakili Matagi programme, a Pacific immigration support initiative funded by MFAT. This programme is designed to future-proof Pacific immigration agencies against emerging trends in tourism, labour mobility, and transnational crime.

You’ll oversee bilateral training and support across legislation, policy, compliance, data analysis, and management upskilling, while fostering professionalisation within Pacific organisations. The role also involves strategic advice to Immigration New Zealand and MBIE on Pacific security matters, ensuring New Zealand’s international obligations are met.

This is a leadership position where you’ll coach and mentor your team, manage programme governance and budgets, and maintain strong relationships with Pacific partners, NZ Inc. agencies, and regional law enforcement bodies. Your work will directly contribute to regional security and capacity building through the Pacific Immigration Development Community (PIDC) and other key stakeholders.

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana -

Skills and Experience Required
 

• Proven experience in programme management, including budget oversight.
• Strong knowledge of Pacific cultures, values, and regional relationships (Pacific language skills desirable).
• Minimum five years’ experience in international relations, ideally with immigration-related obligations.
• Ability to represent MBIE domestically and internationally with credibility.
• Exceptional leadership skills with experience in coaching and mentoring.
• Strategic thinking and analytical ability to tackle complex issues.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
• Relevant tertiary qualification (e.g., international relations, development studies, policy).
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret national security clearance.
  
  

Must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident and able to travel as required.

Ētahi kōrero mō MBIE - About MBIE:

MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders.

We do this by working with others to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities and by working to ensure quality housing is more affordable.

People are at the heart of our mahi, our way of working is guided by our values which shape our behaviours.

• Mahi Tahi – Better Together
• Māia – Bold and brave
• Pae Kahurangi – Build our Future
• Pono Me Te Tika – Own It

Our aspirations are echoed in our Māori identity – Hīkina Whakatutuki – which broadly means ‘lifting to make successful'.

MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Māori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Māori, other Māori groups/organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Māori and for wider Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to continuing to partner with iwi in order to find new sustainable solutions to address long standing systemic and cross-cutting issues facing Māori and wider Aotearoa New Zealand and we are also committed to identifying opportunities for iwi to lead and creating an enabling environment for iwi to leverage these opportunities.

E mōhio ana a Hīkina Whakatutuki i puea ake te kōtuinga I waenganui i a ngāi Māori me te Karauna i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ā, kei te whai ia ki te whakaū ake i Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Mā te whai kiko o ngā kōtuinga ahungaroa o ngāi wi, o ngāi Māori, me ētahi atu rōpū Māori ki te Karauna, katutuki tēnei. He āhuatanga nui tēnei e āhei ai ngā mahi whanaketanga ā-ohanga, ā-pāpori hoki ki a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui. E whai tonu ana mātou ki te kōtui atu ki ngā iwi mō te rapu huarahi hou ki te whakaara i ngā kaupapakua roa nei e tāmi ana i a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui, ā, e whai ana hoki ki te tautohu i ngā āheinga kōkiritanga mā ngā iwi, me te tautoko i ngā iwi kia whai mana ake ai ēnei āheinga.

Me pēhea te tono - How to Apply:

Click here to view a position description.

When you are ready to apply please send a CV and cover letter telling us why you're the perfect fit for this role.

All applications must be submitted via our online process. We can't wait to hear from you!

Email Nik Sharma at nikhil.sharma@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/18897 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on Sunday, 25 January 2025 10pm