Programme Coordinator

• Two Programme Coordinator roles in the Commissioning & Investment group at Oranga Tamariki
• Roles supporting General Managers, Programme Manager and Senior Project Manager
• Fixed Term until 30 June 2027.

Mō mātou | 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 is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Oranga Tamariki's Commissioning and Investment Group is delivering a significant transformation programme that will shift the way we partner with providers and invest in services that support tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.

Managing approximately $500 million in annual investment, the Group is moving from a traditional purchasing approach to a more strategic commissioning model focused on delivering better outcomes. This transformation spans commissioning, contracting, provider engagement, investment decision-making and service recommissioning, and responds to recommendations from external reviews aimed at strengthening the system.

These two Programme Coordinator roles will not be fully traditional programme coordination delivery roles. They will provide critical support across a broad portfolio of business and transformation activities. Working closely with senior leaders, you will help connect people, priorities and information across commissioning, contracting, procurement, provider engagement and strategic improvement initiatives, supporting planning and prioritisation, enabling effective decision-making, and helping diverse stakeholder groups work together to deliver change.

We are looking for people who thrive in ambiguity, bring structure to complex work, and enjoy building strong relationships across teams, providers and partner organisations. You will be pragmatic, adaptable and solutions-focused, with the confidence to work alongside senior leaders and contribute to meaningful change across the commissioning system.

Due to the operational requirements and dynamic nature of the roles, it will be beneficial for you to have the close support of the team around you. Candidates for this role are required to already be based in Wellington or be willing to relocate to Wellington for this opportunity.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Key requirements of the role include:

• Experience in a Programme Coordinator, Business Coordinator, Change Coordinator or similar role, supporting complex programmes, business initiatives or transformation activities across multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Exceptional planning, organisation and coordination skills, with the ability to bring structure to ambiguity, manage competing demands and maintain momentum across a diverse portfolio of work.
• Experience supporting senior leaders through planning, reporting, governance and decision-making processes, including the coordination of information, actions and deliverables across teams and workstreams.
• Excellent relationship management and communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across internal teams, providers, sector partners and senior stakeholders, and support others through periods of change and improvement.
• A pragmatic, proactive and solutions-focused approach, with sound judgement, adaptability and a willingness to contribute wherever needed to achieve outcomes.
• Understanding of commissioning, contracting, procurement, investment, funding or service delivery environments is desirable, with an appreciation of how these functions contribute to achieving strategic and outcomes-focused objectives.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and SharePoint.
• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to working in culturally responsive ways, including an appreciation of tikanga Māori and Pacific perspectives.

Nōu te rourou | 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 dependant on experience.

We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. In addition to the Commissioning and Investment team, these roles will also be connected to the Coordination team within the Enterprise Portfolio Management Office. With the Coordination Practice Lead as your hiring manager, the Coordination team is welcoming and supportive, with regular team meetings and Communities of Practice to help in continually improving the performance of the team and individual development as a coordinator.

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/

Me pēhea te tuku tono  | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

If you have any questions about role, please contact [email protected]

Applications for this role close at midnight on 1 September 2026. 
 
Please apply soon as we will be reviewing applications as they come in!

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our Code of Conduct, which sets out expectations for all kaimahi and requires employees to present at work free from the influence of drugs and alcohol.