Commissioning Advisor
Date: 28 Jul 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
It’s an exciting time to join the Social Investment Agency as we lead change across the public service to implement social investment and support Government to achieve better outcomes from social sector spending.
We are currently seeking a Commissioning Advisor to join our Investment & Commissioning team in Wellington. This is a fixed term opportunity through to June 2027.
You don’t need experience in government, commissioning, or the social sector. If you're analytical, detail-oriented, comfortable navigating ambiguity, and motivated by making a positive impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the role
As a Commissioning Advisor, you’ll play an important role in supporting the design, delivery and continuous improvement of commissioning activity across the Social Investment Fund.
Working alongside experienced Commissioning Managers, you’ll help coordinate complex work programmes, analyse information and insights, prepare advice, and build strong relationships across government and the social services sector.
In this role you’ll:
- Support Commissioning Managers to continuously improve our processes, tools, and ways of working.
- Analyse information relating to social sector spending, contracts, and service delivery to support investment decisions.
- Produce high-quality first drafts of written material including briefings, memos, and analysis.
- Review information to ensure accuracy, consistency, and completeness.
- Coordinate activities across a complex, fast-moving work programme.
- Support in cross-agency engagement, meetings, and negotiations.
- Build trusted relationships across SIA, government agencies, and organisations delivering social services.
- Contribute to work that helps ensure public funding delivers better outcomes for New Zealanders.
He kōrero mōu | About you
We're looking for someone who combines strong analytical thinking with excellent organisational and relationship-building skills.
You may be early in your career or looking to apply your skills in a new environment. Most importantly, you're adaptable, proactive, and committed to delivering high-quality work.
You'll bring:
- The ability to work effectively in a fast-moving environment.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
- Confidence using Excel, including formulas and basic data analysis.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Sound judgement and an ability to synthesise and present information clearly.
- A collaborative, values-driven, and relationship-focused approach.
- A willingness to learn, ask questions, and contribute to improving how we work.
Utu-ā-tau | Salary
Band 15: $79,617 - $93,668 - $112,401
(Salaries are based on skills and experience. Offers are usually made between $79,617 and $93,668)
Ko wai mātou | About us
Our purpose is to shift the system using data and evidence, so that the system invests earlier and more effectively to improve the lives of New Zealanders. We focus our efforts on where we can make the greatest impact to lead, and we collaborate with agencies and stakeholders to shine a light on policy issues that fall between the gaps. As a central government agency, our people are our centre. They’re curious, agile and hardworking, and instinctively care about the wellbeing of others. We are committed to a safe and inclusive workplace and we value the diversity everyone brings. We embrace our diverse workforce and culture, and we support flexible working arrangements. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of gender identity, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or religion. 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.
Tono mai | How to Apply
To apply for this role please click the ‘Apply Now’ button and follow the online process. To view a copy of the position description please click here.
Applications close at 11.59pm on Wednesday 12 August 2026; however, we will review applications as they come in and may invite people to interview before the close date. We are looking to move quickly with these roles and will begin interviewing from the week of 17 August 2026.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if an ideal person is found before the close date.
If you have any questions, please email peopleandculture@sia.govt.nz. We look forward to receiving your application.
