Development Programme Support Officer, NZ Embassy Manila

Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade; Wellington; On-site; NZD 16,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

New Zealand Embassy Manila is seeking a Development Support Officer to help deliver New Zealand's development programme in the Philippines. You will support scholarship activities, coordinate events, and engage with partners to ensure effective delivery of development activities.

The role involves administration, stakeholder engagement, communications, and project support within a small, collaborative team. A relevant tertiary qualification and several years of related experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in business administration, project management, development studies, international relations, communications, or related discipline.
• At least three years' experience in administration, programme coordination, project management, development programmes, or related field.
• Strong organisational skills with ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English and Filipino.
• Knowledge of Mindanao languages would be an advantage.
• Experience coordinating events, logistics, stakeholder engagement, or public-facing programmes.
• Ability to analyse information and prepare clear reports, briefings, and correspondence.
• Strong relationship management skills with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Support the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme and alumni engagement activities.
• Support the delivery of development programmes and partnerships.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders across government, education, and development sectors.
• Coordinate meetings, events, visits, and communications activities.
• Manage programme administration, project contracts, budgets, and reporting.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Event coordination

Education

Business administration

Project management

Development studies

International relations

Communications

Job description

Development Support Officer, New Zealand Embassy Manila

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.

2 years Fixed Term

Join the New Zealand Embassy in Manila as a Development Support Officer (DSO) and contribute to New Zealand's International Development Cooperation programme in the Philippines. Support New Zealand's scholarship programme and development partnerships in the Philippines. Work across a dynamic portfolio involving programme administration, stakeholder engagement, communications, and project support. Be part of a small, collaborative, and high-performing team advancing New Zealand's diplomatic and development objectives.

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

This is a varied and rewarding role where you'll help deliver New Zealand's development programme in the Philippines. You'll work closely with partners, support programme implementation, coordinate events and visits, and help ensure effective delivery of scholarship and development activities.

You will:

• Support the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme and alumni engagement activities.
• Support the delivery of development programmes and partnerships.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders across government, education, and development sectors.
• Coordinate meetings, events, visits, and communications activities.
• Manage programme administration, project contracts, budgets, and reporting.

The appointment range for this role is PHP 563,550 - PHP 696,150 per annum, negotiable depending on experience.

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

We're looking for someone who is organised, proactive, collaborative, and enjoys working with a wide range of people and programmes.

You will ideally have:

• A tertiary qualification in business administration, project management, development studies, international relations, communications, or a related discipline.
• At least three years' experience in administration, programme coordination, project management, development programmes, or a related field.
• Strong organisational skills with proven ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Filipino.
• Knowledge of languages spoken in Mindanao would also be an advantage.
• Experience coordinating events, logistics, stakeholder engagement, or public-facing programmes.
• Ability to analyse information and prepare clear reports, briefings, and correspondence.
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience working with government agencies, international organisations, educational institutions, NGOs, or donor-funded programmes would be an advantage.
• Familiarity with the social, economic, and development landscape of Mindanao would be an advantage.

Alignment with our values of Impact, Kotahitanga (Unity), Courage, and Manaakitanga (Respect and Care for Others).

You must have the right to live and work in the Philippines to apply for this role.

Why work for us?

We are committed to a focus on leadership, talent, training and development, and flexible work options.

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.

About us - Mō mātou

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.

Applications close at midnight (NZ time) / 7pm (PH time) on Thursday, 22 october 2026.

Please note:

If the successful candidate has worked or lived in New Zealand and are subsequently employed as locally engaged staff in a NZ Government Embassy or High Commission, they may, subject to individual circumstances, have NZ Tax Residency obligations. We advise any applicant, who may be in this situation, to discuss their tax residency status with the NZ Inland Revenue (IRD) and determine any potential personal tax obligations to IRD.