Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Professional Highlights
Locations
References
Personal Information
Timeline
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Marie Stratford

New Zealand,AUK

Summary

Dynamic and accomplished leader with a solid international development and cross-cultural relations background. Proven expertise in senior management roles, driving successful outcomes through strategic planning, team collaboration, and effective communication. Adept at navigating complex global environments and fostering strong partnerships to achieve organisational goals. Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams and deliver impactful results in challenging settings.

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience

Work History

Regional Director

AVI
05.2017 - 02.2024
  • Successfully implemented program under the head contract - Australian Govt initiative.
  • Led successful change initiatives, including program pivot during COVID and organisational restructuring.
  • Provided leadership, mentoring, and support to the country management team through recruitment, mobilisation, in-country orientations, and program operations.
  • Spearheaded expansion into new locations, conducting risk assessments to identify opportunities and devise entry strategies.
  • Effectively managed an AUD2mil annual budget, with regular reviews to find cost-saving opportunities without compromising the program's quality.
  • Contributed to and reviewed program-wide reporting requirements, including MEL and the Annual Report
  • Implemented comprehensive risk management strategies to safeguard program participants and minimise operational disruptions.
  • Facilitated cross-functional team collaboration to streamline processes.
  • Articulated and Promoted the program including identifying suitable public diplomacy opportunities
  • Established partnerships with stakeholders to support programmatic growth and long-term sustainability.
  • Improved stakeholder engagement by organising regular meetings, updates, and progress reports.

Operations Manager

Australian Volunteers International (AVI)
05.2017 - 12.2017
  • Oversaw country office operations, ensuring program targets and budget met quality and compliance requirements.
  • Negotiated terms and conditions of assignments with partner organisations.
  • Managed program finances according to the delegation's schedule
  • Analysed trends affecting the program and made recommendations, including program location and sectoral priorities
  • Risk and critical incident management, including pastoral care and civil unrest.
  • Led successful change initiatives, ensuring seamless transitions during organizational restructuring efforts.

Investigator, Professional Conduct

NZ Police
11.2016 - 04.2017
  • Working to ensure actions, conduct, and procedures of Police employees maintain trust and confidence New Zealanders have in the Police service
  • Identification and investigation of criminal and employment-related matters
  • Managing delicate relationships and expectations of public complainants
  • Collected, analysed and interpreted information, documentation, and physical evidence associated with investigations.
  • Documented findings and prepared detailed reports.
  • Built and maintained excellent working relationships with internal partners, HR, Welfare, District management, and leadership teams

Workplace Assessor

NZ Police
03.2016 - 10.2016
  • Assess probationary constables' skills, knowledge and competence against requirements of unit standards from the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF)
  • Enhanced mentee performance by providing personalised guidance and support.

Prevention of Family Harm Co-Ordinator

NZ Police
08.2014 - 12.2014
  • Provided crisis intervention services, offering support and guidance to individuals experiencing domestic violence situations.
  • Piloted and collaborated the first multidisciplinary team to address clients'' unique needs, resulting in more tailored interventions and improved outcomes for victims and offenders ( rolled out nation wide)
  • Contributed National prevention strategies to reduce family harm.

Custody Unit Supervisor

NZ Police
01.2013 - 08.2014
  • Oversaw all aspects of detainee processing and care, including coordination with Police, Immigration, Customs, and Mental Health services.
  • Ensured compliance with legal and procedural standards

Team Leader Community Relations

NZ Police (RAMSI)
11.2011 - 12.2012

Company Overview: The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) assists the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) in laying the foundations for long-term stability, security, and prosperity through the support of improved law, justice and security

  • Assisted O/C National Community Policing Unit in areas of strategic planning and leadership
  • Developed educational material for community awareness programs
  • Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
  • Conducted regular reviews of operations and identified areas for improvement.
  • Provided staff training in problem-solving and conflict-resolution
  • Set performance expectations for the RAMSI team, monitoring progress towards goals and providing constructive feedback as needed.

Project Manager Community Officers Project

NZ Police ( RAMSI)
11.2011 - 12.2012
  • In 2009 it was proposed that a 'Community Officer' model of community policing be explored to establish links between communities and the Police to act as a mechanism for addressing law and order issues where communities have no ready access to regular Police services
  • Reviewed and assessment of the CO project since the implementation
  • Liaison with internal and external partners, including World Bank, during the evaluation phase
  • Drafted recommendations to executive regarding ongoing commitment and support of the project
  • Creation of numerous project status reports

Executive Officer & Community Project Advisor

NZ Police ( MFAT CAPS Program)
04.2011 - 10.2011

Overview: Community Auxiliary Police (CAPs) are vital in supporting communities, chiefs, and village courts in maintaining law and order.

  • Assist the Contingent commander with the Implementation of the work plan
  • Handled administrative management, personnel issues and supply requirements for the project
  • Streamlined business processes, resulting in increased operational efficiency across departments ( travel portfolio, insurance, mobilisation of staff
  • Successfully managed project finances in a developing country, navigating challenging facilities and operational constraints.

Performance Manager

NZ Police
04.2010 - 04.2011
  • Executed a pilot scheme reporting directly to the Area Commander
  • Enhanced employee engagement through tailored training programs and workshops.
  • Conducted thorough assessments of employee performance, identifying strengths and areas for growth
  • Improved the area's resolution rates and recording compliance standards in all areas, reaching 95% compliance across target areas

Family Violence Supervisor

NZ Police
10.2009 - 05.2010
  • Oversaw daily operations, ensuring priority actions and timely completion of tasks.
  • Reviewed all DV incident reports and allocated appropriate actions and resources for follow-up
  • Coordinated training sessions for staff and volunteers on various aspects of family harm
  • Collaborated with other departments, fostering teamwork across various functions and improving outcomes.
  • Represented Police at interagency meetings and conferences
  • Contributed to the development of National prevention strategies

Project Advisor Community Auxiliary Police (CAP)

NZ Police (MFAT Program)
08.2008 - 08.2009
  • Ongoing review and improvement of the CAP project
  • Reviewed course material for recruitment and annual training
  • Leadership development of CAP trainers and NCOs.'
  • Assisted Southern team leader with the implementation of the work plan
  • In-country management of Central / Southern Project finances
  • Developed and co-facilitated the first regional recruit course
  • Implemented gender equity initiatives for recruitment and retention policies

Various Positions

New Zealand Police Service
03.1993 - 01.2007
  • Area Supervisor, Youth and Community
  • Sectional Sergeant
  • VIP / Witness Protection Officer
  • Section and Enquiries Constable

Education

Skills

Sustainability Strategies

  • Cross-cultural communication
  • Organisational Development
  • Staff Training and Development
  • Effective leader
  • Decision-Making
  • Financial Management
  • Partnership Development
  • Cross-Functional Team Development

Professional Highlights

2008, 2012, 2014, 2017, 2022, Queen's Service Medal (QSM), 2011, New Year's Honours List, for services to the New Zealand Police, acknowledging contribution to international aid programs

Locations

  • Port Moresby, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
  • Kokopo, Kokopo, East New Britain
  • Counties Manukau, Counties Manukau, New Zealand
  • Bougainville, Bougainville, Papua New Guinea
  • Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

References

Thank you profusely for your commitment, your wise, sensible and pragmatic approach to managing our highest risk country and for your sense of humour.  The success of the Australian Volunteers Program in PNG is an absolute reflection of your abilities as a manager and a leader.

Deputy Program Director, Australian Volunteers Program


Marie has worked as a management team peer of mine for a number of years. Her commitment, honesty, and value-driven approach to work with her team members and peers is of exceptional (and consistently) high quality.

Regional Director, Australian Volunteers Program, South Asia and Africa


I have found you to be an exceptional Regional Director, and your impact I would imagine is immeasurable. Your dedication, and passion, to the work in PNG and your team, is a testimony to your exceptional leadership skills, and we have appreciated your support of the Partnerships Team.

Partnership Lead, AVI, Melbourne

Personal Information

Citizenship: New Zealand

Timeline

Regional Director

AVI
05.2017 - 02.2024

Operations Manager

Australian Volunteers International (AVI)
05.2017 - 12.2017

Investigator, Professional Conduct

NZ Police
11.2016 - 04.2017

Workplace Assessor

NZ Police
03.2016 - 10.2016

Prevention of Family Harm Co-Ordinator

NZ Police
08.2014 - 12.2014

Custody Unit Supervisor

NZ Police
01.2013 - 08.2014

Team Leader Community Relations

NZ Police (RAMSI)
11.2011 - 12.2012

Project Manager Community Officers Project

NZ Police ( RAMSI)
11.2011 - 12.2012

Executive Officer & Community Project Advisor

NZ Police ( MFAT CAPS Program)
04.2011 - 10.2011

Performance Manager

NZ Police
04.2010 - 04.2011

Family Violence Supervisor

NZ Police
10.2009 - 05.2010

Project Advisor Community Auxiliary Police (CAP)

NZ Police (MFAT Program)
08.2008 - 08.2009

Various Positions

New Zealand Police Service
03.1993 - 01.2007
Marie Stratford