Senior Project Manager - International Engagement

• Strengthen Auckland’s international connections with India and other markets
• Build partnerships across trade, innovation, sport and investment
• Turn global relationships into lasting economic outcomes
• 12 months Fixed-Term

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

We have an exciting 12-month full-time fixed-term opportunity for a Senior Project Manager – International Engagement to play a key role in supporting Auckland Council’s international engagement activity, with a strong focus on the India portfolio. This role will help coordinate and deliver a focused 12-month action plan for new activity with India, supporting mutually beneficial outcomes through strengthened relationships, partnerships, and collaboration. The work will span tourism and the visitor economy, business, trade and investment linkages, startup and innovation ecosystems, sports development, high-performance pathways, education, and knowledge exchange. Working within the Economic Development Office, you will help advance Auckland’s global connections and support initiatives that contribute to the city’s wider economic development objectives.

In this role, you will:

• Coordinate the design, documentation, and delivery of a comprehensive 12-month action plan for Auckland’s India portfolio, including objectives, milestones, timelines, success measures, governance, and reporting.
• Identify, engage, and support relationships with key stakeholders across government agencies, business groups, tertiary partners, innovation hubs, participating organisations, and priority sectors.
• Coordinate inbound and outbound engagement, supporting investment leads, commercial opportunities, sector collaboration, and long-term relationship outcomes.
• Support the development and negotiation of reciprocal Memoranda of Understanding, particularly across innovation and sporting pillars, while managing budgets, resources, risks, issues, and delivery within approved financial and operational constraints

Click this link to access the Position Description

He kōrero mōu: About you

We’re looking for someone with strong project management capability and the confidence to plan, coordinate, and deliver multi-stakeholder action plans with precision, adaptability, and pace. You’ll bring excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and maintain productive relationships across government, business, investment, innovation, and sporting sectors. A strong understanding of international trade, investment attraction, partnership development, and cross-cultural engagement will be important, along with the ability to align diverse interests, negotiate agreements such as MoUs, and formalise partnerships that deliver practical and strategic outcomes. Confidence using digital tools and social media to support engagement, visibility, and outreach will also be highly valued.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako: Skills and experience

• At least five years’ project management experience, with a proven ability to deliver agreed objectives and achieve results in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Senior-level relationship and stakeholder management experience, including the ability to build, maintain, and leverage trusted relationships across government, business, investment, education, innovation, and sporting sectors.
• Strong understanding of India and New Zealand’s economic, business, trade, and investment environments, with the ability to identify opportunities that support mutual economic and partnership outcomes.
• Experience in financial management, project cost tracking, contract negotiation, agreement development, and contract management.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with Gujarati-speaking stakeholders; proficiency in Gujarati would be an advantage.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

At Auckland Council, you will join a dynamic, supportive environment where your mahi (work) will directly impact the lives of over 1.7 million Aucklanders. This role is also an opportunity to build new skills and learn about social innovation and the team, while contributing to meaningful outcomes for our communities.

We offer flexible working conditions, a focus on well-being, and a culture of continuous improvement. We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of.

As part of our organisation, please view a range of our: benefits

Me Tono Ināianei!: Apply Now!

Applications close: Sunday 9 August 2026

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Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.