Head of Culture

2 weeks ago

Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand New Zealand Government Full time
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.

  • Fixed term role based in Wellington, through to the end of June 202
  • Lead a team of busy, dedicated practitioners committed to making a difference at the Ministry
  • Help deliver on our important, key people initiatives
Head up our Culture and Capability team, leading the strategy and development across leadership development, culture and organisational capability.

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

An opportunity has arisen to head up the Culture and Capability team at MFAT.

Reporting to the Chief People Officer, the Head of Culture and Capability leads a small team of dedicated practitioners working on initiatives within learning and development, leadership and culture, diversity and inclusion, and related areas.

This is a fixed term role through to the end of June 2025. We would also consider an inter-agency secondment.


2024 will be another busy year for this team, with several exciting priorities that need the guidance and support of an experience Organisational Development (or similar) professional.


In particular, this team is tasked with:

  • A programme of work aligned to the 'Workplace Cultures' organisational priority
  • Evolving our current Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Plan into our 'Belonging Strategy'
  • Delivering on commitments to closing gender and ethnic pay gaps
  • Reviewing and enhancing our approach to Language Training
  • Implementing a new employee survey approach
  • Completing the implementation of a new Performance & Goals process, aligned to functionality with our recently implemented SAP SuccessFactors HRIS
  • Finalising the delivery of our updated Code of Conduct
  • Reviewing and updating our Capability framework


In addition to these key priorities, the team also manages a range of important 'business as usual' activities - particularly around learning, development and career coaching.


The full salary range for this role is $167,587 and $197,162 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution.

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


You'll be someone who's got a reputation for being a great people leader, as well as having a background that enables you to provide 'thought leadership' to the teams work.

You will have the ability to work with a team to enable them to get things delivered on time and to a high standard, as well as working directly with leadership teams to influence and give effect to the changes we hope to see.


Ideally you will also have a good understanding of tikanga (Māori customs and protocols), with the ability to weave te ao Māori (the Māori worldview) into your work.


If you are just starting on this journey that's OK too - as long as you have a willingness to learn and a desire to develop your cultural capability.

As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, this is important to us and we offer training and support.

Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Aorere - Why MFAT?

We are committed to a focus on leadership, talent, training and development, and flexible work options. Check out our benefits page to find out more about why we love working here.

You can find out more about our staff networks and our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here

Mō mātou - About us

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.

Me pēhea te tuku tono - To Apply/Interested?


To be considered for this position you must be a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident and able to obtain and maintain a NZ Government National Security clearance.

Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a security clearance.

Please note that this tool is not part of the formal security clearance process:


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 Thursday 18 April 2025.

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.

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