Closing date: Friday 14 November 2025
Location: Auckland or Wellington
Salary range: $95,000 – $105,000
Fixed term: 12 months
About UnionAID
UnionAID is a registered charity established by the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions in 2009 to support international development projects and human rights in the Asia-Pacific region.
Integral to our work is the empowerment of the next generation through our Young Leaders Programmes, which equip young community leaders from Myanmar, Eastern Indonesia, Mindanao, Cambodia and Laos, with skills in community development, democratic processes, Indigenous development, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, conflict resolution, sustainable development, gender justice, and human rights. Our aim is to build networks of skilled leaders who contribute to the peaceful and just development of their communities and countries.
The Opportunity
We’re seeking an experienced Director Young Leaders Programmes to lead our team in delivering MFAT-funded Young Leaders Programmes to a high standard. You’ll be responsible for programme delivery, stakeholder relationships, and preparing documents for the future iteration of these programmes.
This is a 12-month fixed-term position as UnionAID renews its contract with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Manatū Aorere (MFAT) for the Young Leaders Programmes. You’ll lead a review of UnionAID’s organisational structures, systems, and processes relating to the programmes and recommend changes to the Board of Trustees.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and support Young Leaders Programmes teams
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with MFAT, tertiary partners, and programme partners
- Support strategic direction setting and implement strategic plans
- Prepare business case and documents for programme continuation and expansion
- Oversee financial management of Young Leaders Programmes
- Ensure compliance with MFAT contract standards and deadlines
- Report regularly to the Executive Officer and Board of Trustees
About You
You’ll bring:
Essential experience:
- Managing staff and providing leadership to both paid staff and volunteers
- Senior leadership experience in international development or humanitarian contexts
- Proven success in grant acquisition and partnership management (MFAT, multilateral, or philanthropic)
- Proven success in managing multi-country programmes, with experience in South East Asia or similar regional settings strongly preferred
- Leading organisational change and transformation
- Managing an organisation, including setting policies and ensuring compliance
- Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire high-performing teams across cultures
- Demonstrated commitment to safeguarding, equity, inclusion, and sustainable systems strengthening
Essential skills:
- Demonstrated competency in organisational systems, processes, and change management
- Demonstrated competency in youth leadership programmes in NGO contexts
- Financial acumen and proven ability to manage complex budgets
- Proven ability to manage diverse workloads and competing demands
- A tertiary qualification
Our Values
We’re guided by our values of Kotahitanga (collective action), Manaakitanga (respect and dignity), Tika (fairness and justice), and Toitū te mahi (sustainability).
Our Commitment
UnionAID is committed to upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in all aspects of our work. We’re an equal opportunities employer and actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Māori, Pacific peoples, people with disabilities, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural communities.
To apply: Apply via Seek by 14th November with your CV and cover letter addressing the key responsibilities and person specification.
Contact person: