Development Programme Manager

New Zealand High Commission

Applications closed Sunday, 13 July 2025

● Come join the New Zealand High Commission team!

● Permanent full-time position open to Vanuatu Citizens and Residents

● Based in Port Vila

The Organisation

The New Zealand High Commission in Vanuatu (the High Commission) represents the New Zealand Government in Vanuatu. The High Commission leads New Zealand’s diplomatic and development engagement with Vanuatu, and is responsible for the delivery of New Zealand International Development Cooperation Programme in Vanuatu.

The Post represents the New Zealand Government to the highest standards of professional excellence in diplomacy, international development and consular services. This is done by building connections with the host Country that enables the New Zealand Government to achieve more than they could alone.

The Post takes a distinctively New Zealand approach, reflecting New Zealand’s diversity and heritage.

The Position

The Development Programme Manager will have responsibility for the management, coordination, and oversight of a number of key sectors of New Zealand’s work in Vanuatu and the programme activities under these.

This senior role requiring appropriate level leadership skills and experience will also support and mentor others in the Development Team, to build knowledge, practice and capability.

The role also has responsibility for tracking, reporting and advising on issues of interest within sectors of responsibility, and more broadly as required, and contributes to the delivery of New Zealand’s foreign policy and development objectives.

Essential Selection Criteria

► A relevant tertiary qualification and at least seven years relevant professional experience.

► Excellent project management skills and experience managing aid projects.

► Strong research skills and an ability to think critically and analytically

► Excellent written and oral communication skills (both in English & Bislama)

► Have some experience in economic development and political awareness and interest in Vanuatu

► Able to build and maintain strong relationships and work collaboratively internally and externally

► Experience in managing sensitive material with a high degree of tact and integrity, and working with a wide range of people across cultural and social boundaries

► Well-developed planning and organisational skills, including ability to prioritise tasks effectively, work under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining a clear focus on an overall plan

► An in-depth understanding of local governmental and administrative systems, customs and practices, trends and issues and cultural, political and social environments. The ability to provide excellent policy and programme advice related to the local context;

► An understanding of development principles including sustainability, gender, human rights, and environmental issues;

► Possess a strong achievement/delivery focus – sets high standards including accuracy and attention to detail and quality.

► Ability to work autonomously and within guidelines, demonstrating sound judgement. ► Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement, including adaptability and openness to change.

► Demonstrated ability to take a flexible approach and to work well within a team.

► Displays personal integrity and an honest and ethical approach.

► Competence in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel) and familiarity with electronic filing systems plus a willingness to learn bespoke applications.

► Understanding of budget and financial management;

► Hold a current, clean driver's license

Mandatory Requirements

► The job holder is expected to perform such other duties as can reasonably be regarded as incidental to the position description and such other duties reasonably within their experience and capabilities as may be from time to time.

► Ability to work and live in Vanuatu.

► Clean history (criminal record).

► Ability to obtain and maintain an appropriate management clearance.

Job Description

Apply Online

Do NOT email your application.

Applications closed Sunday, 13 July 2025

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