Principal Advisor
Date: 13 Sept 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
- Wellington based, with flexible working arrangements available
- Join a collaborative and engaging team
- Shape strategy. Influence outcomes. Enable system change.
- Work in an organisation committed to accessibility
Work directly with the Deputy Chief Executive to provide strategic analysis and advice to support better outcomes for disabled people
Mō te tūnga | About the role
We are seeking an experienced policy practitioner to join the Office of the Deputy Chief Executive as Principal Advisor to the DCE, Policy & Insights. This is a high-trust role, operating at the centre of strategic leadership, organisational performance and public sector stewardship for matters affecting disabled people. It offers the opportunity to work directly with the Deputy Chief Executive to shape priorities, influence decision-making and help deliver outcomes that matter for disabled people and their whānau.
You will work to provide strategic analysis and advice to support the diverse work of the Policy & Insights business group, and contribute to wider strategic planning for Whaikaha. You will work across Whaikaha to ensure strong and appropriate linkages with and between programmes of work, including their planning, funding, implementation and monitoring.
You will provide principal analyst level expertise and advice on strategic issues and opportunities for Whaikaha and for the Policy and Insights business group. you will be a trusted strategic partner to the DCE, providing thought leadership, analysis, insights and critical thinking across a diverse portfolio of work.
Ōu pūmanawatanga | What you bring
We are seeking an experienced policy practitioner to join the Office of the Deputy Chief Executive as Principal Advisor to the DCE, Policy & Insights. This is a high-trust role, operating at the centre of strategic leadership, organisational performance and public sector stewardship for matters affecting disabled people. It offers the opportunity to work directly with the Deputy Chief Executive to shape priorities, influence decision-making and help deliver outcomes that matter for disabled people and their whānau.
You will work to provide strategic analysis and advice to support the diverse work of the Policy & Insights business group, and contribute to wider strategic planning for Whaikaha. You will work across Whaikaha to ensure strong and appropriate linkages with and between programmes of work, including their planning, funding, implementation and monitoring.
You will provide principal analyst level expertise and advice on strategic issues and opportunities for Whaikaha and for the Policy and Insights business group. you will be a trusted strategic partner to the DCE, providing thought leadership, analysis, insights and critical thinking across a diverse portfolio of work.
He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga | Position Description
The job description, and application process for the role can be found here: Work with us | Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $135,641 - $203,462
Ka Kati Ngā Tono hei te | Applications Close: Sunday, 27 September 2026
Mō mātou | About us:
At Whaikaha, we work with government, businesses, and communities to create real change for Deaf and disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori.
We value wellbeing and provide a supportive, inclusive environment.
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply:
We welcome diverse ways of applying—video, whānau support, or traditional CV and cover letter.
You can click the 'Apply' button to complete the online form or let us know what works best for you by emailing: PeopleandCulture@whaikaha.govt.nz
If you work for Whaikaha please apply through the myHR portal so that your employee profile is visible as an internal candidate.
Please note, MSD applicants should apply as external candidates.
