Assistant HR Advisor

The Ministry of Social Development

• Full-time, permanent and fixed term opportunities available 
• A great role to kick start or grow your HR career within a large values-based organisation 
• Bring your energy, people skills and willingness to learn

What you’ll be doing | Ko te mahi

We’re looking for an Assistant Human Resources Advisor to join our People Group based in Wellington City to support the delivery of high‑quality HR services across MSD.

In this role, you’ll be a key part of the HR Advisory team. Providing first‑point support for HR enquiries, coordinating core people processes, and supporting HR Advisors and Senior HR Advisors with accurate, timely, and confidential work. You’ll work closely with managers, employees and our wider People Group to ensure HR processes run smoothly and consistently.

You will also support our internal recruitment team. This involves posting job adverts, booking interviews, completing pre-employment vetting checks and preparing employment documents. You will also assist with and respond to candidate queries. 

This is a great opportunity for someone wanting to start their HR career who already has established strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and have a genuine interest in building a career in human resources within a large, values‑led organisation.

What you will bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga

We’re looking for people who

•    Have positive energy, enthusiasm, and have a strong sense of commitment
•    Are confident communicators both verbal and written with strong relationship building skills
•    Are self-starters with a great attitude
•    Are flexible and have the ability to respond quickly to changing needs and priorities.
•    Can work additional hours if and when required (paid overtime applies)

You’ll also bring strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks while working to deadlines and balancing competing priorities. Solid computer skills, especially in Microsoft Office, will support your success in this role.

Above all, we’re looking for people who bring a great attitude, strong work ethic, and a collaborative approach to their work. 

What’s in it for you | Nōu te rourou

• Annual pay progression 
• $400 Vision care subsidy service towards your costs of eye tests, glasses, and contact lenses
• Accident insurance coverage for MSD staff
• Capability development framework to support your career aspirations with us
• Staff discount on Southern Cross Health Insurance
• A range of practical wellbeing support, including Employee Assistance Programme. Our vision is to have a workplace where everyone has a sense of purpose.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

Applications close: 11:59pm, Sunday 19th April 2026

To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form. 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 Mark Liew at Mark.Liew001@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 an internal candidate.

Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:

A copy of the position description can be found here: Assistant HR Advisor | Position Description

Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $68,660.00 - $83,003.00

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.

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. We are a Treaty partner committed to strengthening relationships with Māori, Hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.

If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.