Principal Advisor, Wellington
Date: 16 Apr 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
- Lead and contribute to strategic analysis to support MSD’s direction
- Provide high‑quality, evidence‑based advice on complex and emerging social and system issues
- Permanent, full-time opportunity based in Wellington
About the role | Mō te tūnga
This role is in MSD’s Strategy, Investment and Organisational Performance team. It provides high‑quality specialist and analytical advice that supports MSD’s stewardship responsibilities, strengthens its ability to anticipate, understand, and respond to strategic issues, and supports MSD to achieve its strategic intentions.
You will provide high quality advice that helps build and maintain the evidence base informing strategic thinking, policy advice, and long term decision making, with a strong focus on system impacts and future outcomes.
Working closely with colleagues across Strategy and Insights and the wider organisation, you will apply sound judgement and analytical capability to shape work that improves how evidence and insights are used. The role also provides informal leadership through mentoring, knowledge sharing, and modelling high‑quality analytical practice.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga
You will bring strong analytical capability and experience delivering high quality advice on complex issues, along with the ability to translate evidence into clear, practical insights for senior leaders.
You will also demonstrate:
- Experience in policy, research, evaluation and/or data analysis, with the ability to synthesise evidence and develop robust insights
- Sound judgement and the ability to operate effectively in complexity and uncertainty
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex issues clearly to senior leaders
- Experience working across organisational boundaries and building effective relationships
- A proactive approach to improving analytical practice and contributing to capability development
- A collaborative mindset and commitment to supporting a positive team culture
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
A copy of the position description can be found here. Principal Advisor, position description
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $142,874.00 - $177,798.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: 11.59pm, Thursday 30 April 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.
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.
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.
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.
