Regional Contracts Assistant, Southern Region
Date: 30 Apr 2026
Location: Dunedin, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
- Fixed term or secondment opportunity to March 2027
- Travel required across the Southern region
- Location is the Southern Regional Office in Dunedin
About the role | Mō te tūnga
We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Regional Contracts Assistant to join our Southern regional team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong administrative, relationship and writing skills to contribute to the successful delivery of services that support communities across the lower South Island. This role has a strong regional focus and works closely with service providers, community organisations and internal MSD teams across the Southern region. An understanding of the Southern regional context and the importance of building trusted local relationships will support success in this role.
Key responsibilities
- 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 business cases and 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.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga
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 in Excel, Word and other office software. You are confident working under pressure with competing priorities and in handling financial processes such as contract forecasting, tracking expenditure, processing invoices, and ensuring payment accuracy. You understand the value of place‑based service delivery and the role strong provider and community relationships play in achieving outcomes for clients, particularly within the Southern region.
Key skills and attributes
- Strong professional relationship management skills and the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
- High attention to detail with the ability to deliver accurate reports and documentation.
- Ability to prioritise tasks, work independently and at pace 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.
- Knowledge of, or experience working within, the Southern region, including an understanding of local communities, providers or the social services landscape, is desirable.
- A clean full New Zealand driver licence and the ability to travel across the Southern region as required.
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.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
A copy of the position description can be found here. Regional Contracts Assistant, position description
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $79,200.00 - $95,873.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Thursday 14 May 2026
About us | Mō mātou
The Ministry of Social Development 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 and 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
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 as it will demonstrate how well you can write as well as highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description.
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.
