Chief information officer

• Highly influential, key senior leadership role within MFAT
• Drive our enterprise-wide technology strategy as our “Digital Champion”
• 12 months fixed term – Wellington based

Unique opportunity for an experienced information management technology leader to play a critical role in driving innovation, transformation and strategic digital development across the Ministry.

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Our Information Management Division (IMD) provides key services to the Ministry in the areas of knowledge and information technology management, ensuring that the Ministry has the digital tools it needs to enable day-to-day business. Our staff are committed to building a safe, more prosperous and sustainable future for all New Zealanders, assisting the government with international priorities and providing advice to the government on the implications for New Zealand of what is happening in the world.

This is a unique and rare opportunity to shape the digital landscape here at MFAT. As our Chief Information Officer (CIO), you will be responsible for taking the lead in shaping Ministry's employees digital experience as well as ensuring the right processes and systems are in place to do the basics well.

Our CIO is also accountable for developing the long-term digital strategy of the organisation, influencing the greater Ministry strategy to leverage IT trends and technology changes, eliciting and addressing evolving stakeholder needs, improving the overall user/customer experience and challenging norms to ensure the IT infrastructure and team are fit for the future.

As we transition through a number of changes, we are looking for a 12-month fixed-term position for someone who can provide steady guidance and exceptional leadership to our Information Management Division.

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

The full salary range for this role is $226,587 - $306,559 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution.

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

We’d like to hear from you if you have the following skills and experience:

• Extensive experience influencing and leading strategy development.
• Extensive experience in a significant Information Management Division senior leadership role.
• Experience of driving transformation in a complex organisation.
• Strong ability to analyse and interpret complex data and arrive at sound business decisions.
• A growth mindset and perpetual learner.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to develop, manage and inspire others.

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 support, talent, training and development, and flexible work options. 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.

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?

We anticipate this will be a sought- after role so apply today with your CV and cover letter.

For a confidential discussion please email

To be considered for this position you must be a New Zealand Citizen and able to obtain and maintain a NZ Government National Security clearance at TOP SECRET level.

Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a TOP SECRET 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, 20 June 2024.

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.