Advisor Design | Wellington or Christchurch | Permanent
Date: 27 May 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
- Contribute to system and service design work that improves outcomes for disabled people
- Work across programmes and projects with a collaborative, outcome-focused team
- Wellington or Christchurch based role within a purpose driven organisation
Help shape how disability support services are designed and delivered for New Zealanders.
About our team | Mō te tīma:
The Disability Support Services (DSS) Group is responsible for commissioning, funding, and stewarding high-quality services that support disabled people, their families, and whānau.
We’re building leadership and management capacity across our teams to deliver both change and business-as-usual effectively.
We work closely with providers, stakeholders, and communities to ensure services are fair, consistent, transparent and sustainable. With a strong focus on performance monitoring, data, and insights, we’re committed to continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making.
It’s an exciting time to join DSS as we strengthen our systems and expand our capabilities.
We’re looking for passionate people to help us achieve our goals and make a meaningful impact.
About the role | Mō te tūnga:
As an Advisor (Design), you’ll provide operational advice and support the development and implementation of system design work across DSS.
You’ll contribute to key projects and initiatives, working closely with programme and design leads to deliver high‑quality outcomes aligned to agreed frameworks and priorities.
This role sits at the heart of system design and change, supporting meaningful improvements across DSS through strong advice, collaboration and project delivery.
This role can be based in our Wellington or Christchurch offices.
Key responsibilities:
- Contribute to the effective implementation of key pieces of work across DSS in a collaborative way
- Support the development of work programmes, frameworks and approaches for the group
- Provide advice across a range of contexts, with a focus on problem-solving and achieving outcomes
- Support the delivery of work within the team work programme as tasked by Programme Managers and the Design & Change Lead.
- Ensure project deliverables, reporting and reviews are produced to a high standard and aligned to agreed frameworks, policies and quality requirements
- Build and maintain positive working relationships across DSS and influence stakeholders across DSS and the wider MSD.
We value diversity and welcome applications from disabled people and those who have lived experience with whānau, or the disability community.
Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:
- Experience in an advisory or support role, providing advice to a range of audiences
- Knowledge of operational delivery or policy processes
- An understanding of programme and management methods, including planning, risk management and performance monitoring
- Strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise, multitask and escalate issues appropriately
- Strong communication skills and experience engaging with diverse groups
- The ability to work calmly under pressure, meet deadlines and adapt to changing priorities
- An understanding of the Machinery of Government (desirable but not essential)
We’re looking for someone who is pragmatic, resilient and comfortable working in a busy, close-knit team environment. You’ll value collaboration, build trust easily, and contribute to an inclusive workplace where diversity is welcomed and respected.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
A copy of the position description can be found here. Advisor position description.
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $79,200.00 - $95,873.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Wednesday 10 June 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 and advice to government and assistance, including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.
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, so please 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.
