Principal Advisor Workforce Development
Date: 18 Sept 2025
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
- Lead a strategic workforce development programme, with a priority focus on care and support workers across the disability support system and associated care settings.
- Work alongside passionate leaders committed to impactful and lasting change to strengthen disability support services.
- Embrace a values driven culture, within a learning and improvement environment.
Join a team that is dedicated to workforce system and service improvements, across health and disability services with a focus on strengthening community based supports.
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 seeking a visionary yet grounded Principal Advisor to provide strategic and operational leadership to drive sector workforce capability and capacity improvements across the disability support system.
You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping workforce development initiatives that uplift care and support workers, embed equity and sustainability, and centre lived experience in service delivery.
This is a hands-on opportunity to influence operational systems and foster a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead cross sector and cross-agency initiatives to strengthen workforce sustainability.
- Translate strategic intent into operational frameworks that deliver impact.
- Collaborate with providers, peak bodies, key stakeholders, and lived experience leaders.
- Advise on workforce planning, capability building, and sector wide improvements.
- Champion Te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity, and cultural safety in all workforce strategies.
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 understanding of disability and support services, with operational credibility.
- Strategic and operational expertise in workforce development, planning, and system transformation.
- Strong ability to navigate complexity and engage across diverse stakeholders including providers, and government agencies.
- Commitment to inclusive, person-centred approaches and equity-driven outcomes
- Experience in policy, service design, and implementation.
- Strong financial and analytical skills to support robust programme oversight and delivery.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
A copy of the position description can be found here. Principal Advisor Workforce position description.
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $142,874.00 - $177,798.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Wednesday 1 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.
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.
