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Proposed Changes to MFAT: Audio and Video
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade--Change Proposals for Staff Consultation, 23rd Feb, 2012
Scoop Audio + Photos + VideoBy Mark P. Williams
Content Summary:
Today the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued its proposals for its future.
The Ministry’s Chief Executive, John Allen, outlined the key areas of change. He described the proposal as an attempt to create a "flexible, fit for purpose, deeply expert ministry". The proposals aim to shift from a rotational system for diplomatic positions to one centred on permanent roles.
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Proposed changes include:
- Reorganising and outsourcing administrative duties around regional 'hubs' to improve efficiency
- Cutting 169 positions
- Overseas roles for locally engaged staff reduced by 136
- 58 positions currently vacant will not be refilled
- Two missions will be closed: Sweden and Poland
- Creating 27 new positions
- A pay review to rebalance remuneration packages between what is paid in New Zealand and offshore
- A New Zealand based twenty-four hour call centre to prioritise queries for Ministry staff
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