Principal Advisor

Ministry of Social Development NZ; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 136,000 - 203,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Collaborative team

Job summary

Ministry of Social Development NZ in Wellington is seeking a Principal Advisor to the Deputy Chief Executive, Policy & Insights. This high-trust role shapes priorities, influences decisions and drives outcomes for disabled people.

You will provide strategic analysis, ensure linkages across Whaikaha, and partner with the DCE on organisational performance. You'll work across the Policy & Insights group, bringing thought leadership and rigorous analysis to support planning, funding, implementation

Qualifications

• Experienced policy practitioner with at least 8+ years in public policy.
• Ability to provide strategic analysis and high-quality advice.
• Experience working with senior government leaders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic analysis and advice to support Whaikaha and the Deputy Chief Executive.
• Shape priorities and influence decision-making across programmes.
• Collaborate across the Policy & Insights group to align planning, funding, and monitoring.
• Serve as a trusted strategic partner offering thought leadership.

Skills

Policy analysis

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Public sector governance

Advice and briefing

Education

Public policy degree

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Ministry of Social Development NZ – Wellington, North Island

$135,641 - $203,462 a year

Hybrid

2d ago , from 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

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 & 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.

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.

Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $135,641 - $203,462

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.