Senior Advisor, Housing, Wellington
Date: 15 Oct 2025
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
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 the role | Mō te tūnga
• Permanent role
• Based at National Office, Wellington
We’re currently looking for an enthusiastic person to join our team to provide high quality operational advice while working as part of a dynamic team in the Housing Group within MSD’s Service Delivery.
The Senior Advisor role contributes to and supports the delivery of key Housing action plans to enhance client experience and Housing outcomes for whānau in a mana enhancing way.
You will be part of a supportive team environment focused on key Housing issues and will work alongside the Delivery Leads, Directors and the wider Service Delivery Group including our frontline.
As a Senior Advisor, you’ll be a strategic thinker and skilled communicator, with the ability to translate intent into action. Your written advice will support senior leaders to implement change that improves housing outcomes for whānau and communities.
You’ll be confident navigating complex housing environments, identifying barriers to delivery, and crafting clear, practical advice that drives implementation. Your writing will reflect a deep understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations and Te Ao Māori perspectives, and you’ll be adept at using plain language to make complex ideas accessible.
Your ability to influence through evidence-based recommendations, and frame advice that supports operational delivery, will be key to achieving real-world impact.
What you’ll be doing | Ko te mahi
• Participate in and shape programmes, or operational advice that drives meaningful outcomes for communities across Aotearoa.
• Work across teams, sectors, and iwi/Māori partners to co-design solutions that reflect Te Tiriti o Waitangi and MSD values.
• Ability to distil complex information into clear, concise, and compelling advice aligned with organisational priorities.
• Deliver expert, evidence based advice on complex issues, using data and stakeholder insights to support informed decisions.
• Make a real difference in the lives of New Zealanders through mahi that supports wellbeing, housing, and social outcomes.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga
• Understanding of key strategic housing-related issues facing the Ministry and the Government.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and responsively in both government and non-government settings.
• Highly effective communication skills and demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong stakeholder networks and relationships.
• Proven ability to successfully implement policy.
• Demonstrated experience working in a national team supporting a distributed service delivery network.
• Welcomes and values diversity, and contributes to an inclusive working environment where differences are acknowledged and respected.
• Strong understanding of machinery of government and Cabinet/Parliamentary processes.
Ready to make a difference?
Apply now and help us shape the future of service delivery for New Zealanders. Bring your strategic thinking, communication skills, and passion for impactful mahi to MSD, where your work will have a real impact on the lives of our clients and communities.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $103,815.00 - $125,958.00
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.
Closing date: 26 October 2025
Apply early - we may progress suitable candidates prior to closing date
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.
