Senior Advisor | Strategy and Reporting | Transformation | Wellington

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Date: 26 Aug 2026

Location: Wellington, NZ

Company: Ministry of Social Development

 

  • Based at National Office in Wellington
  • Fixed term for two years

 

About the role | Mō te tūnga

 

The Transformation Group is leading important work to shape MSD’s future role and support the successful delivery of MSD - services for the future transformation outcomes.

 

The group works across MSD to translate strategic intent and agreed organisational direction into practical delivery approaches and embedded ways of working.

 

As a Senior Advisor within the Transformation Programme, you will provide high-quality advice, guidance and analysis to support transformation initiatives from service and design through to implementation and transition into business as usual. You will use sound judgement to make well-reasoned decisions and recommendations, provide clear advice to leaders and workstreams, and help shape complex pieces of work that support effective outcomes.

 

We are a high-performing, fast-paced team that thrives on tackling complex challenges and delivering results. We are agile, responsive, and forward-thinking, balancing the ability to react quickly to emerging priorities with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for improvement.

 

Collaboration is at the heart of how we work. We value strong relationships, open communication, and supporting one another to achieve shared outcomes. We are highly engaged, enjoy what we do, and bring energy, positivity, and a healthy sense of fun to our work.

 

We are a team that rolls up our sleeves and gets things done. We embrace challenges, take ownership, and are committed to delivering work of the highest quality. By combining practical action with strategic thinking, we continuously strive to make a meaningful impact for our organisation and stakeholders.

 

 

In this role, you will:

  • Provide advice and guidance to support the delivery of transformation initiatives.
  • Act as a trusted senior advisor on complex issues, good governance, risks and delivery considerations.
  • Prepare data, insights and analytical reports that inform decision-making, performance, monitoring and continuous improvement.
  • Identify and assess risks, issues, dependencies and constraints, and develop effective mitigation strategies.
  • Contribute to stakeholder engagement activities that build understanding and commitment.
  • Support junior colleagues by sharing specialist knowledge, providing constructive feedback and building capability.

 

 

What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga

 

  • Proven experience contributing to transformation or change programmes, service design, or the implementation of projects or initiatives.
  • Demonstrated ability to work across multidisciplinary teams to manage interdependencies, provide senior-level advice and support alignment across design, delivery and implementation activities.
  • Effective communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships.
  • The ability to deliver high-quality written work and contribute effectively to working groups and cross-functional forums.
  • Experience monitoring, interpreting and applying policies and procedures so they align with organisational strategies and work objectives.
  • Experience analysing data and trends to support reporting, decision-making and continuous improvement.
  • Sound judgement, analytical thinking and the ability to create clear recommendations that consider benefits, costs and value for key stakeholders.
  • A commitment to embedding Te ao Māori, including Te Reo Māori, Tikanga, Kawa and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, into the way we do things at MSD.

 

 

What’s in it for you | Nōu te rourou

 

This is an opportunity to contribute to meaningful transformation work that will help MSD make a bigger and better difference for New Zealanders.

 

You will work alongside leaders, workstreams and stakeholders across the organisation, helping to turn strategic direction into practical approaches that can be embedded across MSD.

 

You will be part of a supportive and inclusive organisation that values diverse perspectives, collaboration, integrity and the wellbeing and success of its people.

 

 

Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga

Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $103,815.00 - $125,958.00

 

Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: 6 September 2026

 

About us | Mō mātou

 

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) 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 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.

 

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. Please highlight how your skills and experience relate to the key responsibilities listed in the position description and job advertisement.

 

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.