Principal Advisor Engagement | Wellington | 6 month Fixed Term
Date: 4 Jun 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
- Secondment or fixed term opportunity – 18 December 2026
- Important mahi supporting Disability Support Services
- Wellington based role
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of disabled New Zealanders?
About our team | Mō te tīma:
The Disability Support Services Group (DSS) has been established to ensure fairer access to disability support services in New Zealand, ensuring those with the greatest needs receive quality support services.
The Transformation team is in place to continue work to strengthen DSS services for the future following the implementation of the independent review recommendations.
The work ahead aims 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 consistent, fair and affordable.
About the role | Mō te tūnga:
We are seeking a seasoned Principal Advisor – Engagement to lead the strategic integration of engagement practices into business-as-usual operations for Disability Support Services (DSS) and to lead targeted and effective engagement with communities who access DSS services.
This role is pivotal in embedding long-term engagement strategies, developing clear guidelines, and ensuring that the voices of disabled people and iwi are central to shaping the future of DSS.
You will create strategic content and support and enable iwi and Māori community feedback and engagement and ensure that all communications are aligned with broader organisational frameworks and change initiatives.
As a trusted advisor, you will work closely with senior leaders and stakeholders across MSD and externally, providing expert guidance on strategic communications, change management, and inclusive engagement approaches.
This is a fixed-term or secondment opportunity through to 18 December 2026.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the development and implementation of a long-term engagement strategy that becomes embedded in business-as-usual.
- Develop clear guidelines to support consistent and inclusive engagement practices.
- Create strategic content tailored for iwi engagement and feedback, ensuring cultural responsiveness and relevance.
- Provide high-level advice to senior leaders on strategic communications, change impacts, and stakeholder engagement.
- Ensure alignment of all engagement and communication activities with MSD’s overarching strategy and values.
- Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with iwi, disabled communities, and other key stakeholders.
- Champion inclusive engagement practices and ensure feedback is meaningfully incorporated into decision-making.
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:
You are a strategic thinker with deep experience in communications and engagement, particularly in complex change environments. You bring a strong understanding of how to embed engagement into organisational frameworks and have a proven ability to work collaboratively with iwi and diverse communities.
Skills and Experience:
- Proven experience in leading strategic communications and engagement initiatives, ideally within the public sector.
- Strong background in change management and embedding new practices into business-as-usual.
- Demonstrated experience working with iwi and applying Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in engagement strategies.
- Skilled in developing content and frameworks that support inclusive and culturally responsive engagement.
- Excellent relationship management and influencing skills across a wide range of stakeholders.
- Strong leadership and advisory capabilities, with the ability to guide senior leaders and teams.
Your leadership skills will be key in driving strategy, and your ability to build strong relationships across diverse groups will help ensure the success of this important work.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
A copy of the position description can be found here. Principal Advisor Engagement position description.
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $142,874.00 - $177,798.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Thursday 18 June 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.
