Senior Advisor, Regional Public Service - Wellington
Wellington, NZ
- Fixed term/secondment opportunity to 30 June 2027
- Location: Wellington
Shape regional public service outcomes
This is a unique opportunity to operate at the centre of cross-government collaboration in Wellington supporting system-level alignment to deliver better outcomes for communities.
Working alongside the Regional Public Service Commissioner (RPSC) and Director, you will contribute to shaping how agencies work together regionally—bringing strategic insight, strong relationships, and sound judgement to complex and evolving priorities.
About the role | Mō te tūnga:
This is a high-trust, high-exposure role requiring the ability to operate across organisational boundaries and support senior leadership decision-making.
You will work across a portfolio of regional priorities, contributing to alignment across agencies and supporting the effectiveness of key governance forums.
Your work will include:
- Providing regional and local leadership groups and cross-agency initiatives with high-quality secretariat support, ensuring effective decision-making and strategic information sharing within and between the groups
- Building and maintaining trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across central government, Iwi, local partners, and the wider system
- Supporting the identification of emerging risks, potential solutions, system trends, and strategic opportunities across the region
- Contributing to the design, coordination, and delivery of cross-sector work programmes
- Providing robust, evidence-based analysis and advice to the Director and RPSC as required
- Producing high-quality briefing material, reports, and written outputs for the Director, RPSC and other audiences as required
- Supporting data-driven insights to inform regional priorities
- Maintaining oversight of the RPS work programme in the region
This role requires sound judgement, political awareness, and the ability to work effectively in a complex and ambiguous environment.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:
You are an experienced public service professional who is confident operating in complex, multi-agency environments and engaging with senior leaders.
You will bring:
- Demonstrated experience supporting or influencing cross-agency or system-level work
- Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to build credibility quickly across diverse stakeholders
- Experience providing advice or support to senior leaders and governance groups
- Well-developed analytical skills, including the ability to interpret data and translate it into clear insights\
- Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to senior and varied audiences
- Strong organisational discipline and the ability to manage multiple priorities with competing demands
- A proactive, adaptable approach, with confidence navigating ambiguity and change
- Flexibility to travel across the region as required
About the Regional Public Service
The Regional Public Service works to create a more connected and coordinated Public Service across Aotearoa. By aligning agencies around regional priorities, we support better outcomes for communities through collaboration, shared understanding, and collective action.
Regional Public Service Commissioners and their teams play a critical role in bringing agencies together to respond to local needs, strengthen partnerships, and improve service delivery.
Why join this role:
- Work directly with senior leaders on regionally significant priorities
- Gain exposure to system-level public service leadership and decision-making
- Influence how agencies collaborate to deliver outcomes across the region
- Contribute to better outcomes for communities across Wellington
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $118,288.00 - $143,647.00
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: Thursday 21st May 2026
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.
