Senior Advisor Regional Health, Safety and Security and Wellbeing
Date: 13 Oct 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.
About our team | Mō te tīma:
The Health, Safety and Security Wellbeing (HSSW) team supports the Ministry’s managers and staff to put health, safety, and security at the heart of everything we do. We believe that Health, Safety, Security, and Wellbeing is about more than just preventing injuries and illnesses, it is about safety always.
About the role | Mō te tūnga:
• Permanent, full time hours
• Wellington based.
A rewarding opportunity for someone who demonstrates strength in flexibility of thinking and enjoys working in a fast-paced health safety and security environment. You will be part of a close-knit operational team that are based around the country but work as one team.
This is an exciting dynamic role where no two days are the same. As Senior Advisor Regional HSSW you are a key contact for People Leaders on all matters HSSW. You will work with managers and their teams across your regions to ensure that they are able to effectively manage health, safety, security, and wellbeing.
Regional Advisors work closely with sites and regions to:
• Provide advice on the implementation of a wide range of health, safety, security and wellbeing policies, processes and initiatives
• respond to incidents, providing expert advice and debriefing/support
• conduct site audits
• carry out ICAM based investigations for serious incidents or near misses. Build health safety and security capability in managers and health and safety committees
• conduct risk assessments for onsite and off-site safety
• deliver training and drills
• develop and update Hazard Risk Registers and Site Safety Plans
• supporting managers to develop back to work plans
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:
To be successful in this role, you will have excellent relationship management skills and the ability to influence people at all levels. Great communication and problem-solving skills, along with confidence and sound decision making are traits we are looking for. A ‘can-do’ attitude is a must!
Key skills and experience:
• a relevant tertiary qualification (and/or equivalent career experience)
• in-depth knowledge of and experience in health, safety, and security (preferably in the public sector or a large and complex national organisation)
• proven experience in being able to successfully implement policies and processes in a medium to large organisation
• a good understanding of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, Accident Compensation Act 2001 and the Employment Relations Act 2000
• Knowledge of current legislation relating to security (e.g., crimes, trespass, and privacy) is preferred
• experience in the identification of information to assess:
- health and safety hazards and risks and make assessments based on these hazards and risks
- security threats and make assessments based on these threats
• a full NZ driver licence with no restrictions (travel is required)
What's in it for you l Nōu te rourou
We care about the growth and wellness of our people. We are committed to providing you with a positive work environment and you will work with like-minded people who want to get great results for New Zealanders.
We celebrate achievements and prioritise action. Our team values diversity and we are working towards Te Ao Māori being embedded in the way we do things at MSD, and we would love you to join us on this journey.
Core values | Whanonga pono
Manaaki – We care about the wellbeing and success of people
Mahi tahi – We work together, making a difference for communities
Whānau – We are inclusive and build a sense of belonging and place
Tika me te pono – We do the right thing with integrity
Our values represent who we are and what we stand for – if this role appeals to you, do not hesitate, apply now!
For a further discussion about the role, please contact David Wright, Manager HSS Operations by email at: David.Wright009@msd.govt.nz
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $103,815.00 - $125,958.00
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 21st October, 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.
