Ex-pat returns to head NZ aid programme
World Bank senior staffer Amanda Ellis has been appointed to the position of Deputy Secretary – Development in the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry CEO John Allen announced today.
As Deputy Secretary, Ms Ellis is returning to lead the MFAT business unit that manages New Zealand’s international aid
and development programme and advises the Government on international development issues.
“Amanda Ellis brings a wealth of knowledge on development, finance and economic issues gained in both the public and
private sectors back to MFAT.
“Development issues, especially in the Pacific region, are a core and complex component of the Ministry’s work.
Consequently, it is an exciting time for Amanda Ellis to be returning in a leadership role around the aid programme,”
John Allen said.
Amanda Ellis first joined the Ministry in 1988 having returned to New Zealand after a period in Iceland working as an
economist with the Central Bank of Iceland.
During her ten years with the Ministry she held a number of roles including a posting as Vice Consul in New Caledonia
and the Wellington based role of Regional Programme Manager for New Zealand Overseas Development Assistance to Vietnam,
Laos and Cambodia.
In the late 1990s Amanda Ellis moved to Sydney to pursue senior executive opportunities with Westpac Banking Corporation
before moving in 2003 to Washington DC and various roles with the World Bank and International Finance Corporation.
Ms Ellis is currently Lead Specialist, Poverty Reduction and Economic Management for the World Bank Group, based in
Washington DC. It is expected that she will take up her appointment with the Ministry in July.
“I look forward to welcoming Amanda Ellis back to the Ministry, and her joining the Senior Leadership Team,” said John
Allen.
ENDS