Senior Advisor Operational Policy, Wellington
Date: 27 May 2025
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
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.
Senior Advisor Operational Policy, Wellington
• Fixed term/Temporary for 12months
• Wellington based
Mō te tīma / About our team
We are a team that is passionate about getting it right for our clients.
We want to make a difference for our clients and kaimahi by influencing the design, development, and delivery of new and existing policies.
We’re a diverse, fun, and supportive team who will make you feel at home.
Operational Policy is a unique team who work with multiple stakeholders within MSD and externally to:
• support the policy design and improvement of new and existing policies to ensure the best outcome for our kaimahi and clients
• support the implementation and delivery of policies to ensure they align with the policy and legislation
• provide advice on current policy and legislation
The team is also responsible for writing and maintaining MSD’s operational policy guidelines (Map).
Mō te tūnga / About the role
As a senior advisor you will:
• provide advice on current policy and legislation, including individual client cases
• work collaboratively to lead and support the design and development of new and existing policy and legislation
• support our Service Delivery colleagues to implement and deliver products and services in line with policy and legislation
• translate operational policy design into written guidelines (Map) for our kaimahi
• contribute towards the maintenance of Map to make sure it is consistent and coherent, while identifying areas for improvement
• analyse policy initiatives from other agencies to understand how they impact or interact with MSD policies, and/or affect MSD clients
• provide support and mentorship to advisors; helping them to deliver high quality work and build their capability
Mōu – Ngā Pūkenga me ngā Wheako / Skills and experience
We’re keen to hear from motivated Senior Advisors with a proven track record in Operational Policy.
To be successful in this role you’ll have:
• a strong research, analysis, and problem-solving ability
• great people skills, as you’ll be working with stakeholders across our organisation and externally
• experience in a client service delivery role,
• excellent time and self-management skills with a strong ability to manage competing priorities and challenging deadlines
• the ability to adapt to rapid change
If you are considering the Senior Advisor role, we’ll also expect you to demonstrate:
• leadership ability and experience in providing advice on complex issues
• an excellent ability to problem solve and find solutions
• an exceptional ability to build and maintain positive working relationships within MSD and external to the Ministry
• a proven ability to support and enhance the capability and development of others
The qualities we value in this role are:
• critical thinking
• a high level of attention to detail
• clear communication skills, both written and verbal
• influential and collaborative working style
• ability to participate and contribute towards a positive team culture
• understanding of Te Ao Māori and commitment to upholding the Treaty of Waitangi
What’s in it for you?
An inclusive environment that encourages your personal cultural competency, your personal development and supports your wellbeing
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: 3 June 2025
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.
