Senior Advisor or Advisor | Wellington
Date: 4 May 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
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.
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 the role | Mō te tūnga:
• Permanent or Fixed Term role
• Based at National Office in Wellington
We are looking for a Senior Advisor or an experienced Advisor to join our team.
The Senior Advisor and Advisor roles contribute to the design, development and implementation of national strategies and initiatives to support MSD to achieve client outcomes.
Senior Advisors operate at a senior level, leading complex work programmes, providing high-quality strategic advice and analysis, managing senior relationships, and supporting the development of others.
Advisors provide support, contributing to complex work, providing timely advice and analysis, supporting implementation activity, and building effective relationships across MSD and with external stakeholders.
Senior Advisors will bring
• extensive experience in strategy, policy or service delivery
• a proven ability to lead complex work programmes
• provide high-quality advice, influence stakeholders, and operate effectively in ambiguous environments.
Advisors will bring
• experience supporting strategy, policy or service delivery work
• strong analytical, written and verbal communication skills,
• the ability to translate thinking into practical actions.
Across both levels, you will
• demonstrate a strong client focus,
• the ability to work collaboratively,
• bring sound judgement,
• have the capability to build and maintain effective internal and external relationships.
What’s in it for you | Nōu te rourou
Joining MSD means being part of a supportive, inclusive organisation that values diversity and wellbeing.
We offer opportunities to work on meaningful initiatives that make a difference for New Zealanders, alongside professional development and the chance to grow your career within the public service.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
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: 11 May 2026
Apply early! We may progress suitable candidates prior to the closing date
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. 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.
