Senior Advisor NZSL 1

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Date: 16 Jul 2026

Location: Wellington, NZ

Company: Ministry of Social Development

Mō te tūnga | About the role:

 

We have 2 Senior Advisor positions in our New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) team available:

 

1 x fixed term until 30 June 2027 

1 x permanent  

 

As Senior Advisor NZSL, you will help strengthen the NZSL team’s capability to work effectively with government agencies and support implementation of the New Zealand Sign Language Strategy. A key focus of the role will be developing a practical framework for agency NZSL capability plans, including tools, guidance, monitoring, and reporting approaches. You will work alongside the team to support public sector engagement, identify gaps and priorities, and help agencies take clear, practical action to improve access, outcomes, and opportunities for Deaf people and NZSL users. 

 

Key responsibilities include: 

  • Develop and help embed a practical framework for agency NZSL capability plans. 
  • Support government agencies to understand their responsibilities under the NZSL Strategy and identify actions to improve NZSL access. 
  • Lead or support public sector engagement, including meetings, guidance, advice, and follow-up with agencies. 
  • Develop tools, templates, and guidance to support consistent agency capability planning. 
  • Strengthen the NZSL team’s capability to work confidently and effectively with government agencies. 
  • Support monitoring and reporting on agency progress, gaps, risks, and business plan priorities. 
  • Provide policy advice and contribute to cross-government work that supports implementation of the NZSL Strategy. 
  • Maintain an up-to-date understanding of issues affecting Deaf people, NZSL users, and the wider disability sector. 

Mōu | About you:

 

NZSL knowledge is not essential, but it would be an advantage. You will have an interest in NZSL and in learning about Deaf communities, the Deaf world, and the experiences of disabled people and their whānau. 

 

You will bring strong analytical, writing, organisational, and communication skills. You will be proactive, use sound judgement, and be confident working with people across Whaikaha, government, and community sectors. 

 

Experience in monitoring, governance, secretariat support, or providing advice to Boards or committees would be useful. 

 

You will be able to build and maintain effective relationships with Deaf and disabled people, disability sector organisations, Māori, Pacific and ethnic communities, and relevant international groups. 

 

To succeed in this role, you will be a Deaf or disabled person or be able to build credibility and trust with the disability community. You will bring empathy and a strong understanding of the diverse experiences of disabled people.

 

He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga | Position Description:

 

The job description, NZSL video translation of job advert and application process can be found here: Work with us | Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People  

Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $103,767 - $125,899

 

Mō mātou | About us:

 

At Whaikaha, we want an Aotearoa New Zealand where Deaf and disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori are thriving. 

 

As a Ministry we are dedicated to this goal, working with government, businesses, and communities to drive real change. 

 

We do this by investing in disability communities, providing strategic and policy advice across government, monitoring how well services are working, and identifying new, exciting opportunities to make a difference. 

 

We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive environment. 

 


Ka Kati Ngā Tono hei te | Applications Close: Sunday, 2 August 2026

 

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply: 

 

Click the 'Apply' button to complete the online form, or let’s kōrero about what you need to feel supported in your application. For example, you may prefer to use video instead of a traditional CV and cover letter, or you might want whānau or a friend to tell us about you. 

 

Alternate formats are available upon request. 

 

Contact us about the best way for you to apply 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. If you work for MSD, please apply as an external candidate as only Whaikaha employees are considered internal candidates.