Programme Coordinator

New Zealand Government; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children is seeking a Programme Coordinator to support the Intake and Assessment Programme, guiding governance, reporting and coordination across multiple teams. The role contributes to implementing Dame Karen Poutasi’s recommendations and ensures deliverables stay on track.

You will coordinate planning, maintain registers and support risk management, while building strong stakeholder relationships and facilitating continuous improvement across tamariki and whānau

Qualifications

• Experience supporting project managers or programme teams, ideally within large and complex programmes.
• Confidence coordinating multiple workstreams and competing priorities.
• Experience maintaining project plans, action registers and programme documentation.
• Knowledge of risk and issue management practices.
• Strong organisational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Proven ability to prepare high-quality reports, presentations and programme artefacts.
• Intermediate skills across Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Working knowledge of Prince2 and Agile methodologies, and project management tools.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• The ability to build effective working relationships across a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and resilience to changing priorities.
• Sound judgement, initiative and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples’ culture.
• A full, clean New Zealand drivers licence and the valid right to work in New Zealand.

Responsibilities

• Coordinating programme planning, schedules and delivery activities
• Preparing governance reports, project updates, presentations, agendas and meeting minutes
• Maintaining programme documentation, registers and action logs
• Supporting risk and issue management processes
• Assisting with programme reporting, monitoring milestones and tracking deliverables
• Coordinating meetings, workshops and governance forums
• Building strong working relationships across programme teams, operational leaders and stakeholders
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and communities.

Job description

One Programme Coordinator role in the Office of the Chief Social Worker & Professional Practice needed! Support the Intake and Assessment programme of mahi, led by the findings in Dame Karen Poutasi’s review Fixed Term until 30 June 2027 Location flexible, Wellington or Chirstchurch preferred

About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values: We put Tamariki first We believe Aroha is vital We respect the Mana of people We are Tika and Pono We value Whakapapa We recognise that Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a significant programme of work that is helping shape the future of practice at Oranga Tamariki. As a Programme Coordinator, you will support the delivery of the Intake and Assessment Programme, a key initiative responding to the recommendations of the Dame Karen Poutasi Review. Working across the Office of the Chief Social Worker & Professional Practice, Tamariki and Whānau Services, and System Leadership groups, you'll play a vital role in ensuring programme activities are coordinated, tracked and delivered effectively.

You'll provide broad programme coordination support, including:

• Coordinating programme planning, schedules and delivery activities
• Preparing governance reports, project updates, presentations, agendas and meeting minutes
• Maintaining programme documentation, registers and action logs
• Supporting risk and issue management processes
• Assisting with programme reporting, monitoring milestones and tracking deliverables
• Coordinating meetings, workshops and governance forums
• Building strong working relationships across programme teams, operational leaders and stakeholders
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and communities.

What you will bring

• Experience supporting project managers or programme teams, ideally within large and complex programmes
• Confidence coordinating multiple workstreams and competing priorities
• Experience maintaining project plans, action registers and programme documentation
• Knowledge of risk and issue management practices
• Strong organisational skills and exceptional attention to detail
• Proven ability to prepare high-quality reports, presentations and programme artefacts
• Intermediate skills across Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Working knowledge of Prince2 and Agile methodologies, and project management tools
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• The ability to build effective working relationships across a diverse range of stakeholders
• Flexibility, adaptability, and resilience to changing priorities
• Sound judgement, initiative and a proactive approach to problem-solving
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples’ culture
• A full, clean New Zealand drivers licence and the valid right to work in New Zealand.

What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $90,429 and $100,019 pro-rated dependent on experience. We also offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi. To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/.

If you have any questions about role, please contact [e-mail].

Applications for this role close at midnight on Wednesday 16 September 2026. We may begin reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to the closing date, so early applications are encouraged.