Senior Advisor- Safe, Strong Families and Communities
Date: 28 May 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
- Join a fun, dynamic and inclusive working environment
- National Office, Wellington based
- 1 year Fixed Term opportunity
About our team | Mō te tīma:
Safe, Strong Families and Communities at MSD supports a wide range of programmes and initiatives aimed at preventing and reducing vulnerability and harm for individuals, whānau and communities. We also fund and manage several key relationships with the social services sector.
Our ongoing work programme currently has a big focus on leading MSD’s response to family violence, sexual violence, building the financial capability of people in hardship, and improving access to services for disabled people as well as for rural and isolated communities.
About the role | Mō te tūnga:
We are looking for a Senior Advisor to join the team for one year to support projects in the Sector Support and Heartland Services work programmes.
Your main responsibility will be to support the Sector Support work programme involving the design of new service requirements and contracts and supporting the procurement for MSD funded sector support organisations.
Where capacity allows, you will also be able to contribute to the Heartland Services work programme and other services commissioned by Safe Strong Families and Communities. You will help deliver projects by providing advice, supporting service design and procurement activities, preparing reports, responding to information requests, and engaging with stakeholders.
The role will involve working directly with non-government organisations, while also navigating government relationships, so strong engagement and relationship building skills are a must.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:
We are looking for a Senior Advisor with experience in social sector commissioning including the development of service requirements, provider reporting and supporting procurement activities.
The role requires strong relationship management skills, a solutions-focused approach, and an ability to work in ambiguity.
To be successful in the role, you will:
- Be highly organised, with strong planning and delivery skills to meet agreed timelines.
- Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Be skilled in stakeholder engagement, able to establish and maintain effective relationships across government agencies, providers, and internal teams.
- Have experience developing social service contracts and service specifications, with a good understanding of what makes service requirements clear, fair and fit for purpose.
- Have some experience designing or contributing to reporting frameworks for social services, including measures that go beyond outputs to capture outcomes and impact.
- Be a genuine team player — collaborative, positive and committed to shared success as much as your own.
- Demonstrate sound judgment and political sensitivity.
- Be adaptable, pragmatic, and comfortable working under pressure.
- Have experience contributing to projects that give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
A relevant tertiary qualification is desirable. If you are passionate about making a difference and thrive in a team where collaboration, good humour and high standards go hand in hand — we'd love to hear from you!
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
A copy of the postition description can be found here. Senior Advisor position description.
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $103,815.00 - $125,958.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Wednesday 4 June 2026.
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:
Before you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment
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. You can find out more about our values here.
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.
