Senior Human Resources Advisor - Sensitive Events
Date: 28 Jul 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.
Senior Human Resources Advisor - Sensitive Events
- 18 Months/Fixed term opportunity
- Flexible working locations may be considered; however, Wellington is the preferred location for this role.
We’re looking for a compassionate and experienced Senior HR Advisor to join our team supporting the Sensitive Events function at the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a high-trust, high-impact area of HR that supports staff and leaders through complex and often challenging situations.
Mō te tūnga / About the role
As a Senior HR Advisor in the Sensitive Events team, you’ll provide expert advice and support across a range of sensitive and high-risk matters, including critical incidents, staff wellbeing, and complex cases. You’ll work closely with senior leaders, HR Business Partners, and other stakeholders to ensure MSD’s response is timely, empathetic, and aligned with best practice.
Key Responsibilities:
• Provide strategic and operational HR advice on sensitive and complex matters.
• Support the coordination and response to critical incidents affecting staff.
• Partner with leaders to manage risk and ensure appropriate support mechanisms are in place.
• Contribute to policy development and continuous improvement of sensitive events processes.
• Build capability across the organisation in managing sensitive HR issues.
• Provide integrated, seamless and customer focussed delivery solutions
Mōu – Ngā Pūkenga me ngā Wheako / Skills and experience
• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience
• Proven experience in senior HR advisory roles, ideally within large or complex organisations.
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation and best practice HR.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a high level of emotional intelligence.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• A calm, resilient approach to working in high-pressure environments.
• Proven ability to write clearly, accurately, and concisely, tailored to different audiences
• Experience in collecting, interpreting, and communicating HR data to a range of stakeholders
• Advanced computer skills, including spreadsheets, word processing, databases, and statistical tools
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide sound, evidence-based advice
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence, collaborate, and present complex information effectively
• Highly organized and able to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment
• Sound judgement, adaptability, and a pragmatic approach to work
• Client-focused, with a commitment to inclusive and respectful workplace practices
Apply now to bring your expertise to a role where your advice and insight will make a real difference.
Position Description
Salary range: $103,815 - $125,958
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: Wednesday 6th August, 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.
