• Fixed term role through 30 June 2026
• Lead strategy in disability service reform
• Influence key decisions at national level

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for improving outcomes for disabled people? Join MSD’s Disability Support Services (DSS) Commissioning team as a Principal Advisor and help shape the future of commissioning and capability uplift across the social sector.

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 our team | Mō te tīma: 

The Disability Support Services Group (DSS) is being established to ensure fairer access to disability support services in New Zealand, ensuring those with the greatest needs receive quality support services.

The DSS Review Taskforce has been established to implement the recommendations of the Independent Review in DSS to:

• provide disabled people with certain and consistent access to DSS, no matter what their circumstances or where they live in New Zealand
• prioritise funding for disabled people with the highest needs, and those who would benefit most from early intervention support,
• ensure that Enabling Good Lives (EGL) principles are put into practice
• ensure that the long-term sustainability of DSS is strengthened to provide disabled people and carers with services that are both fair and affordable.

About the role | Mō te tūnga:

As Principal Advisor, you will work closely with the Director Commissioning and the DSS Taskforce to provide high-quality strategic, technical, analytical, and thought leadership to the Commissioning and Capability Uplift team and across the DSS Business Unit.

You’ll support the Director Commissioning and lead priority projects that enhance our strategic direction.

This is a unique opportunity to influence service design, policy development, and commissioning frameworks that make a real difference in the lives of disabled people and their whānau.

This is a fixed term role through to 30 June 2026. 

Key Responsibilities include:

• Lead and support priority projects aligned with DSS and MSD objectives.
• Provide expert advice on commissioning, strategy, policy, and service design.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop and implement processes that support successful delivery of key initiatives.
• Champion innovation and challenge the status quo to solve complex problems.
• Represent the Director Commissioning in strategic forums and engagements.
• Embed Te Ao Māori values and practices into the way we work.
• Contribute to health, safety, and emergency management responsibilities.

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:

• Deep knowledge of commissioning, contracted services, and procurement.
• Previous experience providing Principal Advisor level support to Senior Leadership or similar strategic Advisory role.
• Extensive experience working with and influencing stakeholders on social sector programmes.
• Strong relationship management and communication skills including written.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Exceptional organisational and project management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.

Position Decsription | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:

A copy of the position description can be found here. Principal Advisor Commissioning position description.  

Salary band: $141,109 - $175,603

Applications Close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Sunday 27 July 2025.

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. 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.