Regional Contracts Assistant | Canterbury
Date: 16 Jul 2026
Location: Christchurch, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
Regional Contracts Assistant
- Permanent | Full Time
- Enhance your professional abilities through hands-on experience and cross-functional collaboration
- $79,200 - $95,873 per year (dependant on skills and experience)
We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Regional Contracts Assistant to join our Christchurch team. This an exciting opportunity for someone with strong administrative and contracting (or other commercial) experience to contribute to the successful delivery of services in a dynamic environment.
You will assist in managing service provider relationships, supporting contract management processes, and ensuring the effective delivery of contracted services which help New Zealanders to be safe strong and independent.
Accountabilities & Deliverables | Ngā Haepapa me ngā Whakatutukinga
- Monitor and report on a portfolio of provider contracts, managing performance and ensuring contract outcomes are achieved.
- Build and maintain relationships with service providers and key stakeholders to drive service excellence.
- Draft and finalise contracts, ensuring compliance and accuracy in business systems.
- Work closely with internal MSD teams to monitor and drive recruitment of clients for programmes, ensuring all contracted places can be filled on schedule.
- Assist in managing provider reporting, payments, and financial forecasting in line with contract specifications.
- Utilise data to analyse and report on program performance, offering insights to inform decision-making.
About You | Mōu
If you have experience working in the social sector funding/contracting environment, we are keen to hear from you!
You are an experienced administrator with commercial acumen, and a keen eye for detail. You enjoy managing relationships and thrive in high-pressure, deadline-driven environments. You have a high level of computer literacy, particularly in Excel as well as proficiency in Word and other office software. You are confident in handling financial processes such as contract forecasting, tracking expenditure, processing invoices, and ensuring payment accuracy.
While previous experience in contracting systems or financial administration is highly desirable, it is not essential, as training will be provided.
If you are passionate about contributing to the success of MSD’s social mission and enjoy working in a fast-paced, target-driven environment, we encourage you to apply.
Skills & Experience | Ngā Pūkenga me ngā Wheako
- Strong relationship management skills and the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
- High attention to detail with the ability to deliver accurate reports and documentation. Financial/budget forecasting and management experience will be an advantage.
- Ability to prioritise tasks and work independently with minimal supervision.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely.
- Are a collaborative team player who thrives in a dynamic environment.
- Knowledge of government/social sector contracting, and/or social sector procurement is advantageous but not essential.
What We Offer | Tā mātou e tuku ana
- A competitive salary range of $79,200 - $95,873 per year.
- Full training and development opportunities to support your professional growth.
- A supportive and inclusive work environment with a focus on teamwork and continuous improvement.
- A rewarding career enabling better outcomes for New Zealanders each day.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
A copy of the position description can be found here: Regional Contracts Assistance position description
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $79,200.00 - $95,873.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Thursday, 23rd July 2026
About us | Mō mātou
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.
We provide social policy advice to government, and assistance including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.
As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
Before you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment
To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.
Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process. Please highlight how your skills and experience relate to the key responsibilities listed in the position description and job advertisement.
All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at jobs@msd.govt.nz
Internal MSD Employees - please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.
Joining us | Ko te hono mai
Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents.
We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. You can find out more about our values here.
If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.
