The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade acts to build a safer, more prosperous, and sustainable future for New Zealanders. We advance New Zealand’s interests, project our values, and deliver outcomes that matter by building connections and influencing others globally. Our people are our foundation – based in Wellington, Auckland, and at posts across 50 countries, we are a diverse workforce united by a shared commitment to serve New Zealanders.
Mō te tūnga | About the role
Reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive, People and Operations, the Chief People Officer leads the Ministry’s People Division (PEP), shaping and delivering the Ministry’s people strategy. This is a unique opportunity to ensure the Ministry has the right capabilities, in the right place, at the right time, to deliver on New Zealand’s foreign policy, trade, and development objectives in an increasingly complex global environment.
The CPO plays a critical role in connecting with, and supporting, the full breadth of the Ministry’s workforce – from those advancing foreign policy and trade priorities to those providing essential specialist and corporate functions. Success in this role will require the ability to engage and influence across all parts of the Ministry, building shared understanding and alignment around workforce needs and organisational priorities.
The CPO leads a team that provides expert advice on people strategy, policies, and processes that reflect both New Zealand legislation and the requirements of a worldwide diplomatic network. The role carries accountability for workforce planning, leadership development, performance and talent management, HR services, and culture transformation initiatives. Importantly, the CPO will champion a balanced approach that ensures compliance with HR policies, audit, and assurance requirements, while creating systems and solutions that are pragmatic, flexible, and user-friendly for staff across the globe.
Mōu | About you
Great candidates will be experienced leaders with a record of influencing and delivering people strategy in complex, dispersed organisations. Your background will likely include:
- Extensive experience leading large, multi-disciplinary teams, ideally with an international or public service dimension.
- Strong knowledge of HR functions, systems, and workforce planning in complex organisations.
- An appreciation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and commitment to building an inclusive and diverse workplace.
- The ability to balance compliance with a focus on accessible and practical solutions across a range of international settings.
- Excellent relationship management skills and experience partnering with senior leaders, unions, and system-level stakeholders.
- The ability to analyse data and insights to inform strategy and decision-making.
For those seeking a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of a globally connected organisation, this role represents a compelling next step.
You must hold New Zealand, Canadian, Australian, US or UK citizenship and have resided in one of these countries for at least eight of the last ten years.
You must be able to obtain and maintain an appropriate Government security clearance.