Senior HR Advisor l Workforce & Organisational Design
Date: 19 Apr 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
- One position available: Permanant
- Location: National Office, Wellington
- Group: People Group – Workforce Design and Partnering
- Reports to: Director Workforce Design and Partnering
Are you ready to help shape the future of MSD?
About the role | Mō te tūnga:
We’re seeking a passionate and experienced Senior HR Advisor to join MSD’s Services for the Future transformation programme.
This role offers a unique opportunity to be part of a major change in how MSD delivers services to New Zealanders.
You’ll be at the heart of a long term transformation that will impact more than a million people and help shape service delivery for the next 30 years.
Why this role is exciting:
- Strategic Impact: You’ll play a key role in designing the workforce of the future, supporting structural change, and embedding people-centric approaches that align with MSD’s long-term vision.
- Collaborative Environment: Work alongside transformation leaders, HR experts, and cross-functional teams to co-create solutions.
- Meaningful Purpose: Help realise MSD’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and support Māori, Pacific peoples, and all New Zealanders to thrive.
- Professional Growth: Be part of a high-profile programme where your expertise in HR, change management, and organisational design will be valued and expanded.
What you’ll be doing | Ko te mahi:
- Provide expert HR advice across role design, workforce planning, and change management.
- Support the development of our Workforce Strategy and “Our People Approach.”
- With closely with workstream leads and business groups to ensure our people are supported through transformation.
- Use data and insights to help make smart decisions about our workforce.
- Embed te ao Māori into our ways of working.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:
- A trusted HR professional with experience in change and organisational design.
- Strong communicator and relationship builder.
- Skilled in navigating ambiguity and driving change.
- Committed to inclusive, people-first approaches.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
A copy of the position description can be found here. Senior HR Advisor - Workforce Design Partnering position description.
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $103,815.00 - $125,958.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Friday 24 April 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.
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, 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.
