DCE Advisor - Strategy and Insights
Date: 1 Oct 2025
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
About us
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.
About the role | Mō te tūnga:
• Wellington based
• Fixed term/secondment opportunity until October 2026
• Salary range $103,815.00 - $125,958
If you're ready to bring your experience and insight to a varied role with potential to make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you.
The DCE Advisor plays an important role in supporting the Deputy Chief Executive (DCE) Strategy and Insights, and the Director, Office of the DCE. You’ll provide trusted advice and support across a wide range of areas including risk and issues management, relationship building, communications, and process improvements.
You’ll work closely with the Strategy and Insights Leadership Team and their staff to help deliver key priorities and provide support to the DCE. You’ll also take the lead on managing issues and offering guidance when needed.
To do well in this role, you’ll need excellent communication and relationship skills, good judgement, and a solid understanding of the challenges facing MSD, the public sector, and government.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:
• Experience in central government and good knowledge of how the political system works, including its structures and conventions
• Uses sound judgement, understands risk, and shows political awareness
• Confidence advising and supporting senior leaders in the public sector, with a high level of integrity, discretion and accountability
• Skilled at building trust and managing complex relationships across teams and organisations
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal, with strong attention to detail
• Able to step back, see the big picture, and find practical solutions to problems
• Understands key issues facing Government and MSD, and works well in both government and community settings
• Holds a relevant tertiary qualification or has significant professional experience
• Organised, plans ahead, and adapts quickly to changing situations
• Values diversity, is inclusive and enjoys working with others.
Apply now and help shape outcomes that matter—your skills and judgement will be valued every step of the way.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
How to apply
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.
Closing date: Sunday 12th October, 2025.
Joining us
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.
MSD has a COVID-19 vaccination policy that encourages, but does not require, employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and its variants, unless the role is identified as requiring vaccination at the time.
