Principal Advisor

Ministry of Social Development; Wellington; On-site; NZD 143,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Social Development in New Zealand is seeking a Principal Advisor to work closely with the General Manager and Director in Design, Delivery & Data, providing high‑level strategic, technical and analytical leadership for the Group. Based in Wellington, this 6‑month fixed term role focuses on shaping strategy, aligning work programmes, and delivering evidence‑informed outcomes.

You will lead programmes, produce insightful analysis, and build strong relationships across DSS and

Qualifications

• Proven senior technical leadership in strategic and operational work programmes and service delivery processes.
• Experience designing and implementing mechanisms to gather and use evidence, including lived experience, evaluations, audits and data.
• Strong capabilities across research, evidence and analytical methods, including emerging and innovative approaches.

Responsibilities

• Support the General Manager or Director with strategic direction and business planning, contributing to broader DSS strategic planning
• Contribute to the development of strategic initiatives, frameworks and policies that support organisational transformation and improved outcomes
• Provide leadership for programmes and projects, ensuring work is well planned, monitored and delivered through high‑quality advice
• Produce clear, accurate and insightful written analysis that communicates issues, options and recommendations effectively
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships across DSS, government agencies, service providers and the disability community
• Act as a trusted advisor to leaders, providing credible advice on statutory and regulatory obligations and implementation of government decisions
• Identify organisational risks, elevate as appropriate, and keep leaders informed of risks that may impact the success of DSS

Skills

Strategic leadership

Public sector experience

Disability sector knowledge

Evidence and data analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Policy advisory

Risk identification

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

• Act as a trusted strategic advisor to senior leaders across Design, Delivery & Data
• Lead thought leadership, analysis and evidence to inform strategic and operational decision‑making
• 6 month Secondment/Fixed term role

This is a senior opportunity to work closely with the General Manager and Director, shaping strategy, influencing outcomes, and strengthening how work programmes are planned, delivered and connected across DSS.

The Disability Support Services (DSS) Group is responsible for commissioning, funding, and stewarding high-quality services that support disabled people, their families, and whānau.

We’re building leadership and management capacity across our teams to deliver both change and business-as-usual effectively.

We work closely with providers, stakeholders, and communities to ensure services are fair, consistent, transparent and sustainable. With a strong focus on performance monitoring, data, and insights, we’re committed to continuous improvement and evidence-based decision‑making.

It’s an exciting time to join DSS as we strengthen our systems and expand our capabilities.

We’re looking for passionate people to help us achieve our goals and make a meaningful impact.

About the role | Mō te tūnga

The Principal Advisor is a key strategic advisor to the General Manager and Director in Design, Delivery & Data, providing high‑level strategic, technical and analytical leadership for the Group.

Working closely with senior leaders and colleagues across DSS, you will help shape strategy, identify opportunities, mitigate risks and ensure work programmes are aligned, evidence‑informed and focused on achieving both strategic and operational objectives.

This is a 6‑month fixed term role based in Wellington.

Key responsibilities include:

• Support the General Manager or Director with strategic direction and business planning, contributing to wider DSS strategic planning
• Contribute to the development of strategic initiatives, frameworks and policies that support organisational transformation and improved outcomes
• Provide leadership for programmes and projects, ensuring work is well planned, monitored and delivered through high-quality advice
• Produce clear, accurate and insightful written analysis that communicates issues, options and recommendations effectively
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships across DSS, government agencies, service providers and the disability community
• Act as a trusted advisor to leaders, providing credible advice on statutory and regulatory obligations and implementation of government decisions
• Identify organisational risks, elevate as appropriate, and keep leaders informed of risks that may impact the success of DSS

We value diversity and welcome applications from disabled people and those who have lived experience with whānau, or the disability community.

Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.

• Demonstrated expertise navigating public sector and community service systems, with strong understanding of government structures, policy environments and cross‑sector initiatives
• Significant knowledge and experience working in the disability sector
• Proven experience providing senior technical leadership or expertise across strategic and operational work programmes and service delivery processes
• Experience designing and implementing mechanisms to gather and use evidence, including lived experience, evaluations, audits and data
• Strong capability across research, evidence and analytical methods, including emerging and innovative approaches
• Ability to apply critical thinking and sound judgement to provide high-quality strategic advice
• Experience influencing and engaging stakeholders across sectors

Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $142,874.00 - $177,798.00

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.

We provide social policy advice to government, and assistance including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.

As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.

Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.

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. You can find out more about our values here.