Former World Trade Organisation head Mike Moore supports an application by Helen Clark for one of the most senior jobs at the United Nations.
The former New Zealand prime minister is seeking the post of administrator of the UN development programme, the largest of the independently-funded UN agencies.
Most of the programme's budget goes to Africa and developing nations and Mr Moore says he thinks Miss Clark would do a good job.
Although he has criticised her in the past, he says he spoke in support of Miss Clark when he visited the African Union a few days ago.
Prime Minister John Key says Miss Clark is well thought of internationally and he is very hopeful she will be successful.
Miss Clark was prime minister from November 1999 - November 2008.
