Mutual Evaluation Programme Lead

Locations 45 Pipitea Street, Wellington, 6011, NZ Apply Before 07/26/2026, 11:00 AM Job Schedule Full time Job Description 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. 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 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. The appointing range for this role is $163,000 - $203,382 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr