Senior Advisor, Te Pae Tawhiti

About the team:

Te Pae Tawhiti team is a mix of MSD resources, strategic partners, and trusted advisors. A collaborative approach with those in related functions across MSD is essential to support the success of Te Pae Tawhiti Programme and collectively build MSD’s visibility of the programme of work.

About the role:

Te Pae Tawhiti Programme is seeking a dynamic Senior Advisor to support the design, development and implementation of the future service experience.
 
Day-to-day the Senior Advisor will provide professional advice, analysis and support and develop effective relationships with key stakeholders, colleagues and staff throughout the Ministry.
 
The Senior Advisor will craft memos and papers for various governance groups and work closely alongside our strategic partners. 

They will support the onboarding and ongoing relationship with the Service Experience Transformation Partner.
 
Our Senior Advisors work across all key accountabilities and have responsibility for managing complex work and relationships. They represent the work programme in different forums (internal and external) and take a leadership and mentoring role supporting less experienced members of the team. 

This is a Wellington based role and is fixed term until 26 June 2026. 
 

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience in writing memos and papers for various governance groups
• An understanding of the relevant environment and issues facing the Ministry and the Government
• Experience supporting Programme Management functions
• Experience in strategy and policy development, service design or implementation of projects and initiatives 
• An understanding of the ins and outs of operations within a government agency, preferably with previous experience in a customer or community facing role
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and responsively in both government and non-government settings
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills – the ability to think fast under pressure
• An understanding of equity issues and the Treaty of Waitangi, and the implications of these for the work of MSD

About us:

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.

Te Pae Tawhiti – Our Future is about MSD’s future role and how we can make a bigger and better difference for New Zealanders. 

Te Pae Tawhiti Programme is a once in a generation, multi-year transformation, which aims to ensure MSD has the capability to serve New Zealanders now and for decades to come.  

Service Experience is the key implementation arm of this transformation. Through Service Experience we will implement the technology, processes and tools needed to land both our Future Service Model and Client Engagement Practice, while also transforming the way the Ministry delivers its core products and services for clients, staff and partners.

Position Description

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

Salary range: $102,533.00 - $124,402.00

How to apply

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: Tuesday 28 January 2025

We may progress candidates prior to closing date.

Joining us

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.