Senior Advisor Design | Secondment or Fixed Term Opportunity

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 104,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Social Development in Wellington seeks a Senior Advisor Design to shape disability services using human-centred and systems design. This fixed-term or secondment role contributes to DSS work programmes across policy and delivery, grounded in lived experience and strong relationships.

You will provide strategic and operational advice, lead design workstreams, and influence decisions to improve outcomes for disabled people.

Qualifications

• Solid advisory experience delivering to diverse audiences.
• Experience in service and system design leading projects.
• Strong knowledge of policy and operational delivery processes.
• Familiarity with Te Tiriti o Waitangi in public sector work.

Responsibilities

• Provide clear, practical senior advice to support problem solving and outcomes.
• Contribute to design strategy, work plans and workstreams.
• Lead or support projects to ensure high quality deliverables on track.
• Apply system and service design principles to policy implementation.
• Build collaborative relationships across DSS, agencies and stakeholders.

Skills

Advisory experience

Service design

System design

Policy knowledge

Stakeholder management

Te Tiriti knowledge

Job description

Support service and system design to improve outcomes for disabled peopleWork at the intersection of design, policy, delivery, and lived experienceSecondment or fixed term opportunity ending 30 June 2027This secondment or fixed term opportunity enables you to contribute your design expertise in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement and better outcomes for disabled people.About our team | Mo te timaThe Disability Support Services (DSS) Group is responsible for commissioning, funding, and stewarding high-quality services that support disabled people, their families, and whanau.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 | Mo te tungaAs a Senior Advisor in the Design & Change team, you will provide strategic and operational advice to support service and system design initiatives across DSS.You will contribute to the development and delivery of work programmes, apply human‑centred and systems design approaches, and support the effective implementation of change.You'll work closely with the Design & Change team and other stakeholders across DSS, to contribute to high‑quality design work that is grounded in evidence, lived experience, and strong relationships.This is a fixed term or secondment opportunity ending 30 June 2027 and is based in our Wellington office.Key responsibilities include:Provide clear, practical senior advice to support problem‑solving and outcomesContribute to the development of design strategy, work plans and design workstreamsLead or support projects and initiatives as required, ensuring deliverables are high quality and on trackApply system and service design principles, tools, and approaches to policy and implementation workSupport programme establishment and work with Programme Managers to define and scope design activitiesIdentify emerging issues and opportunities from the disability community and integrate insights into design workBuild and maintain strong, collaborative relationships across DSS, agencies, providers, and the disability communityWe value diversity and welcome applications from disabled people and those who have lived experience with whanau, 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.What you bring | Ou pumanawatangaSolid experience in an advisory role, providing advice to a range of audiencesExperience in service and system design, leading projects, or driving improvementsStrong understanding of policy and operational delivery processesKnowledge of human‑centred design methodologies and continuous improvement approachesStrong critical thinking skills with the ability to apply sound judgementDemonstrated ability to influence without authority and build trusted relationshipsStrong communication, planning, and organisational skills in a busy team environmentUnderstanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in public sector workPosition Description | He Whakaahuatanga TungaA copy of the position description can be found here. Senior Advisor Design position description.Salary | Utu-a-tau: $103,815.00 - $125,958.00Applications close | Ka kati nga tono hei te: Wednesday 21 October 2026.About us | Mo matouThe 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, whanau and communities.As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we are committed to supporting and enabling Maori, whanau, hapu, 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.How to apply | Me pehea te tuku tonoBefore you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitmentTo 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. Please highlight how your skills and experience relate to the key responsibilities listed in the position description and job advertisement.All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at [e-mail] MSD Employees - please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.Joining us | Ko te hono maiJoining MSD means being part of a whanau 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.If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.