Mutual Evaluation Programme Lead

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Join the Department of Internal Affairs as the Mutual Evaluation Programme Lead for AML/CFT System Readiness in Wellington, a full time onsite role that goes beyond traditional programme management. You will translate FATF standards into practical actions, assess New Zealand’s AML/CFT readiness, and lead a cross‑agency programme for the 2028/29 mutual evaluation. Synthesis of policy, regulatory, operational and intelligence work with strong senior level advice and international stakeholder engagement is key. Ideal candidates bring deep AML/CFT expertise, FATF standards knowledge, and a proven ability to influence across complex systems, plus excellent stakeholder and governance-facing skills. Tips: tailor your CV to FATF readiness, quantify outcomes, show cross‑government collaboration, ensure NZ work eligibility, apply online by 26 July 2026; salary $163,000 to $203,382.

About Us | Mō mātou   

Regulatory Services is responsible for oversight of three significant regulatory systems - Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), Gambling and Charities. We are a responsive, risk-based regulator focused on prevention and reducing harm. 

As part of New Zealand's membership of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the country undergoes periodic Mutual Evaluations to assess the effectiveness of its AML/CFT system. Our next evaluation is scheduled for 2028/29 and will be one of the most significant assessments of New Zealand's financial crime prevention framework. 

The role | Te tūnga  

We are looking for a Mutual Evaluation Lead – AML/CFT System Readiness to lead the Department's contribution to FATF Mutual Evaluation preparation.

This is not a traditional programme management role. While programme leadership is important, the real challenge is understanding FATF standards and methodology, assessing how New Zealand's AML/CFT system is performing against those expectations, and influencing where effort needs to be focused to improve readiness.

You will lead a complex programme of work that brings together policy, regulatory, operational, intelligence and system perspectives. You will work across government agencies, regulators, industry and international stakeholders to identify gaps, assess risks, coordinate activity and provide trusted advice to senior leaders and governance bodies. 

You will be responsible for:

• Leading DIA's contribution to Mutual Evaluation readiness.
• Assessing readiness against FATF standards and expectations.
• Identifying system gaps, risks and improvement opportunities.
• Translating complex FATF requirements into practical actions and priorities.
• Providing strategic advice to senior leaders, governance groups and Ministers.
• Building strong relationships across New Zealand's AML/CFT system and with international counterparts. 

What you bring | Nōu te rourou 

You will bring deep AML/CFT expertise, sound judgement and the ability to influence across a complex system.

We are particularly interested in candidates who have:

• Strong knowledge of AML/CFT frameworks, FATF standards and Mutual Evaluation processes.
• Experience assessing regulatory, compliance or operational performance against legislative or international standards.
• The ability to identify where policy, practice and outcomes are not aligned with expectations and recommend practical solutions.
• Experience working in AML/CFT, financial crime, supervision, intelligence, compliance, enforcement or regulatory environments.
• Strong programme leadership, stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• The ability to synthesise complex information and provide clear, strategic advice.

Experience supporting or leading a FATF Mutual Evaluation programme, regulatory assessment, or international review process would be highly desirable

For you | Mōu

At the Department of Internal Affairs, we are committed to offering a collaborative and innovative culture where your perspective and ideas will be welcomed. We want our people to thrive within a culture of best practice, while being able to set and achieve goals and being encouraged to challenge the status quo. 

To learn more about the diverse, important mahi we do at the Department and see why we're a great place to work check out our website https://www.dia.govt.nz/

Benefits - About Internal Affairs - Careers with us - Benefits - dia.govt.nz

The appointing range for this role is $163,000 - $203,382

To review the full job description, please click here.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

We are unable to accept applications via email. Please click the apply button to submit your application.

We're committed to ensuring our application process is accessible to everyone. Please let us know if there is any support, we can provide to ensure the process is accessible to you. 

Applications for this role close 26th July 2026. Please also note that you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this role.

If you have any questions, please email [email protected]