Principal Advisor - Advisory
Date: 5 Oct 2025
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
- Influential strategic, operational and analytical role
- Contribute to, and help shape, system-wide improvements
- Wellington-based, permanent opportunity
Get involved in the strategic transformation to improve outcomes for disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori.
About our team | Mō te tīma
The Disability Support Services (DSS) Group is responsible for commissioning, funding, and stewarding high-quality services that support disabled people, their families, and whānau.
We’re building leadership and management capacity across our teams to deliver both change and business-as-usual effectively.
We work closely with providers, stakeholders, and communities to ensure services are fair, consistent, transparent and sustainable. With a strong focus on performance monitoring, data, and insights, we’re committed to continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making.
It’s an exciting time to join DSS as we strengthen our systems and expand our capabilities.
We’re looking for passionate people to help us achieve our goals and make a meaningful impact.
About the role | Mō te tūnga
We’re looking for a Principal Advisor to provide strategic, operational and analytical expertise across the Disability Support Services (DSS) business unit and the Ministry.
This role is an important role in influencing how supports are provided to disabled people and their whānau, helping them live the lives they choose.
Key responsibilities include:
- Contribute to strategic direction and business planning for DSS and the Ministry
- Provide expert advice on key issues and opportunities
- Ensure strong linkages across programmes of work
- Lead capability uplift initiatives and major programmes of work and coach and mentor team members to build capability
- Lead improvements in workflow, systems and processes
- Deliver high-quality research, evaluation and analysis
We value diversity and welcome applications from disabled people and those who have lived experience with whānau, or the disability community.
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
- A strong mix of strategic thinking and analytical expertise
- Proven relationship-building and influencing skills, and strong stakeholder engagement
- A deep understanding and experience in machinery of government and the public service with expertise in working across systems and agencies
- Proven experience advising senior leadership teams
- Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Strong written skills and the ability to write for diverse audiences
- Understanding of the machinery of government and political nous
- Ability to think strategically and act pragmatically
- Experience in working and exercising judgement in fast paced and dynamic environments
- Commitment to diversity and inclusive work environments
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
A copy of the position description can be found here. Principal Advisor Advisory position description.
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $142,748 - $177,798
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Sunday 19 October 2025.
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:
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.
