Principal Advisor Interagency | Wellington | Fixed term or Secondment O
Date: 8 Apr 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
- Lead strategic partnerships and represent the organisation in cross-agency forums
- Drive initiatives that support the High & Complex Framework and integrated service delivery
- Fixed term or Secondment opportunity until 23 March 2027
Shape cross-agency collaboration to improve outcomes for disabled people and whānau.
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 highly experienced and strategic Principal Advisor to lead the development and management of key interagency relationships.
This role is central to ensuring effective collaboration across the sector and delivering better outcomes for disabled people and their whānau.
You’ll act as the organisation’s lead advisor on interagency matters, represent us in cross-agency forums, and drive initiatives aligned with the High and Complex Framework.
You’ll also mentor others in stakeholder engagement and contribute to shaping policy and system improvements.
This is a fixed term or Secondment opportunity until 23 March 2027 and is based in Wellington.
Key responsibilities:
- Represent the organisation in interagency working groups, forums, and negotiations
- Provide authoritative advice on collaboration, policy, and best practice
- Lead joint initiatives that improve integrated service delivery
- Build and maintain high-trust relationships with key agency partners
- Monitor sector trends and provide strategic insights to inform leadership
- Mentor team members in stakeholder engagement and partnership management
- Champion co-designed frameworks that enhance outcomes for disabled people
- Deliver strategic reporting and insights to support governance and 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:
- Extensive experience in interagency collaboration and strategic partnerships
- Deep knowledge of the disability and social services sector, including high and complex needs
- Proven ability to influence, negotiate, and build credibility with diverse stakeholders
- Strong understanding of policy development, assurance processes, and system thinking
- Exceptional communication skills including written
- Political savvy, sound judgement, and a collaborative mindset
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
A copy of the position description can be found here. Principal Advisor Interagnecy position description.
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $142,874.00 - $177,798.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Thursday 16 April 2026.
About us | Mō mātou:
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) 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.
