Senior Project Manager - Pacific and Community Capability Programmes team
Date: 18 Mar 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
• Work on significant and inspiring initiatives that will make a difference
• Varied, challenging and highly rewarding role
• Fixed term/Secondment role through to June 2027 - Wellington based
Provide Senior Project Management skills across the Māori Communities and Partnerships Business group.
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 our team | Mō te tīma:
The Māori, Communities and Partnerships Group (MCP) is responsible for building capability across MSD to support the aspirations of Māori, Pacific and Migrant population groups, connecting and collaborating to build effective partnerships and community approaches that achieve better outcomes for those who most need our support.
The Pacific and Community Capability Programmes team focuses on influencing and directly delivering major change strategies and initiatives for MCP. As a team we establish and lead Māori Communities and Partnerships programmes of work in relation to Pacific and Community Capability, including the development, implementation and on-going review of strategies and action plans in these areas, such as Pacific Prosperity.
About the role | Mō te tūnga:
As a Senior Project Manager, you will work closely with and support the Pacific and Community Capability Programmes team to deliver projects that will improve the lives of New Zealanders. You will work with teams in an agile environment. The work you lead will include developing and implementing epics with roadmaps, project plans, implementation plans, and evaluation and monitoring regimes as required to ensure our initiatives are delivered in a timely and professional manner.
You will assist the Portfolio Manager to manage the implementation of business development initiatives by supporting the project management process and contributing to continuous improvement of the team. This role is not a project management role in the traditional sense, you will be required to roll up your sleeves to contribute to the work as well as manage the programme of work.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:
To be considered for this role you will have:
• extensive experience in a project/change management role, ideally within the public service arena
• proven decision-making experience and leadership demonstrated in co-ordinating and integrating projects
• demonstrated ability to understand financial data and information, cost out all options and support recommendations with quantitative data
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
• knowledge of both agile and waterfall methodologies
• sound relationship management skills both internally and externally
If you like variety in your work, and enjoy contributing to a friendly, collaborative team environment, we welcome your application.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $118,288.00 - $143,647.00
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: Tuesday 31st March, 2026.
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.
