Evaluation Practice Lead - Evidence and Effectiveness
Date: 18 Mar 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
• Permanent role
• Wellington based
• Salary range $161,811 - $214,131
We are seeking a candidate who balances deep expertise in mixed method evaluation with a pragmatic approach to delivering in a government context. In addition to navigating and leading complex projects, the ideal candidate will have a demonstrated record of building the capability of other evaluators.
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.
About the role | Mō te tūnga:
The Evaluation Practice Lead is responsible to the General Manager, Evidence and Effectiveness, and provides senior leadership across MSD’s evaluation work programme. This role sets the direction for how evaluation is designed, delivered and used across the Ministry, ensuring it is high quality, fit for purpose and focused on impact.
You will work closely with senior leaders across MSD to shape and position the evaluation programme so it supports the Ministry’s strategic priorities. You will lead, or provide oversight of, complex and high‑value evaluation projects and ensure strong methodological standards are applied across all evaluations.
The role also has a strong people and capability focus. You will coach, mentor and support Research and Evaluation Managers, Principals and Analysts to strengthen evaluation practice and build monitoring and evaluation capability across the Ministry. This includes developing frameworks, tools and guidance that support a strong culture of evidence‑based decision‑making.
You will build and maintain effective relationships across MSD and with other agencies, contributing a whole‑of‑Ministry perspective and supporting the use of evidence to manage risks and improve outcomes.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:
You bring strong credibility as a leader, with a proven track record of delivering high quality work in complex environments. You are well regarded for your judgement, professionalism and ability to influence others.
You have deep knowledge and experience in evaluation research methods, ideally within social policy, and are confident applying a range of quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods. You stay current in your field and are committed to growing and maintaining your specialist expertise.
You are able to provide clear, balanced and timely advice on issues of high complexity, risk or uncertainty. You can give constructive feedback and guidance, with a strong understanding of what good quality policy advice and evaluation reporting looks like.
You are experienced in leading change and contribute positively to a working environment that attracts, supports and retains high performing people. You take initiative, are persistent, and follow through to deliver results.
You are experienced in supporting others to complete high quality evaluation work, through advice and coaching.
You will also bring:
• A relevant postgraduate qualification
• Senior level experience in either:
- Policy development and implementation, including legislative and parliamentary processes, or
- Research, evaluation or information analysis, with experience integrating findings into the wider policy process
• Well developed analytical skills, including the design of evaluation approaches and methodologies
• Strong communication skills and sound judgement
What we offer | Tā mātou e tuku ana:
It is important to us to:
• prioritise your wellbeing and development
• provide a flexible working environment where you can learn from a supportive and collegial team
• develop your career though the opportunities that come from a broad and varied work programme and our commitment to your ongoing professional development
• collaborate and support each other and we make sure everyone has the chance to develop and to take on new challenges
• value diversity of thinking and background – this informs the creation of responsive policy that reflects the communities we serve.
MSD has several employee-led networks that build a sense of community for our people so that they can contribute, belong and thrive. Our employee-led networks include, but are not limited to:
• National Office Māori Staff Network - Te Tini ō te Raurearea
• Disablednetwork@MSD
• Proud@MSD
• Women’s Network
• Pan Asian Network.
MSD is a CareWise employer. We commit to showing manaaki to people in our MSD whānau with caring commitments.
If you are looking for a senior leadership role where you can shape evaluation practice at a national level and influence real world outcomes, we encourage you to apply.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $161,811.00 - $214,131.00
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, 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 5th April 2026.
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.
