Developer
Date: 19 Jan 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
• Work on modern and legacy systems with variety and challenge
• Agile, collaborative environment
• Opportunities to grow your career
Work across legacy and modern systems, collaborate with business and technical teams, and deliver solutions that make a real impact. Whether your strength is Front End, Back End, or Full stack, we want to hear from you!
About our team | Mō te tīma:
Every week, around 1.4 million New Zealanders count on MSD for income support and services to connect with work, housing and better lives for their families.
Improvement Systems & Technology (IST) provides the technologies, innovation and expertise that enable MSD staff and partners to deliver these essential services, today and into the future.
We’re driving a once in a lifetime transformation of services for New Zealanders. IST is a key enabler of this change bringing together strategic thinkers, technology specialists and delivery leaders to design solutions and deliver change while keeping vital services running reliably every day.
About the role | Mō te tūnga:
As a Developer, you’ll design, build, and deploy software across the full development lifecycle.
You’ll work within established enterprise practices and protocols, contributing to both contemporary and legacy systems.
Collaboration is key, you’ll partner with business and technical teams to deliver well engineered solutions that meet stakeholder needs.
This is a permanent role and can be based in Wellington or Auckland.
Key responsibilities include:
- Design, code, verify, test, document, and refactor moderately complex programs and scripts
- Apply agreed standards, tools, and protocols to achieve robust, maintainable solutions
- Monitor progress and report on development activities
- Identify issues and propose practical solutions
- Participate in peer reviews and contribute to continuous improvement
- Assist in software design, including user/system interfaces and multiple design views
- Support evaluation of options and trade offs for design decisions
- Contribute to user experience validation and data modelling activities
We’re committed to creating a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Diverse perspectives strengthen our mahi, and we value the unique contributions everyone brings to the team.
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:
We’re looking for developers who bring technical know how and a collaborative mindset. You’ll have:
- Tertiary qualification in Computer Science or IT or equivalent experience
- Understanding of enterprise level development practices (source control, peer review, release processes)
- Knowledge of contemporary development methods and operating systems (Windows, MacOS, Linux)
- Familiarity with Agile / Scaled Agile environments and DevOps practices
- Appreciation of automated testing and CI/CD pipelines
- Ability to work across complex business environments and model technology solutions
Technical Skills we value are:
Familiarity in at least one of the below languages:
- C#
- Java
- JavaScript
- TypeScript
- Python
- Ruby
Front End Capability
- Modern front-end frameworks and UI development
- Accessibility and responsive design
- Integration with APIs and data services
- Front end testing tools
Back End Capability
- API and service design
- Database modelling and optimisation
- Integration with internal and external systems
- Security, performance, and scalability best practices
Full Stack Capability
- Skilled across both UI and server side development
- End to end delivery from interface through data and hosting
- Continuous Delivery, and cloud native development practices
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
A copy of the position description can be found here: Developer | Position Description
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $87,614.00 - $106,159.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Monday 2 February 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.
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.
