Senior Advisor, Strategy and Enablement

Ministry of Social Development NZ; Wellington; On-site; NZD 104,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Social Development NZ – Wellington, North Island is seeking a Senior Advisor for a fixed-term role until August 2027. You will provide strategic thinking, guidance across a diverse portfolio and help drive improvements in business services and systems.

The role sits within Whaikaha and involves collaboration with government, disability communities and stakeholders. The position emphasizes high-quality advisory work, relationship building and capability strengthening across strategy,

Qualifications

• Experience providing high-quality advice, analysis and support within a complex organisational environment.
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of people and groups.
• Excellent planning, coordination and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results.
• Experience working with business systems and continuous improvement initiatives, including Microsoft 365-based environments.
• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, accessibility and inclusive practice.
• Understanding of the machinery of government is desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Providing advice and analysis that helps solve complex problems and supports informed decision‑making.
• Leading and contributing to projects, work programmes and improvement initiatives that deliver meaningful organisational outcomes.
• Supporting planning, coordination, reporting and delivery across a range of strategic and operational priorities.
• Partnering with leaders and colleagues to identify opportunities, manage risks and strengthen organisational performance.
• Providing practical financial advice and contributing to planning and decision‑making processes.
• Building trusted relationships across government, the disability community and other key stakeholders.

Skills

Advice & analysis

Relationship management

Planning & coordination

Problem-solving

Strategic thinking

Collaboration across stakeholders

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

Ministry of Social Development NZ – Wellington, North Island

$103,767 - $125,899 a year

Contract

We’re looking for a Senior Advisor to join us in a fixed term role until the end of August 2027 to support our enabling functions while we consider how these are best organised and delivered, and how they align with wider public sector direction.

You bring:

• Experience providing high-quality advice, analysis and support within a complex organisational environment.
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of people and groups.
• Excellent planning, coordination and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results.
• Experience working with business systems, operational processes and continuous improvement initiatives, including Microsoft 365-based environments.
• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, accessibility and inclusive practice.
• An understanding of the machinery of government is desirable, but not essential.

We encourage applications from Deaf and disabled people, Turi Māori, tāngata whaikaha Māori, and those with lived experience. Ifyou’repassionate about inclusion and ready to learn,we’dlove to hear from you.

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.

We’re looking for a Senior Advisor to join us in a fixed term role until the end of August 2027 to support our enabling functions while we consider how these are best organised and delivered, and how they align with wider public sector direction.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As the Senior Advisor, Strategy and Enablement, you’ll provide strategic thinking, practical support and expert guidance across a diverse portfolio of work. You’ll help drive improvement, strengthen organisational capability and support the delivery of high-quality business services and systems.

This is a varied role where you’ll work across strategy, projects, finance, risk and continuous improvement, building strong relationships and influencing positive outcomes across Whaikaha.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing advice and analysis that helps solve complex problems and supports informed decision-making.

• Leading and contributing to projects, work programmes and improvement initiatives that deliver meaningful organisational outcomes.

• Supporting planning, coordination, reporting and delivery across a range of strategic and operational priorities.

• Partnering with leaders and colleagues to identify opportunities, manage risks and strengthen organisational performance.

• Providing practical financial advice and contributing to planning and decision-making processes.

• Building trusted relationships across government, the disability community and other key stakeholders.

Mōu | About You:

You bring:

• Experience providing high-quality advice, analysis and support within a complex organisational environment.
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of people and groups.
• Excellent planning, coordination and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results.
• Experience working with business systems, operational processes and continuous improvement initiatives, including Microsoft 365-based environments.
• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, accessibility and inclusive practice.
• An understanding of the machinery of government is desirable, but not essential.

We encourage applications from Deaf and disabled people, Turi Māori, tāngata whaikaha Māori, and those with lived experience. Ifyou’repassionate about inclusion and ready to learn,we’dlove to hear from you.

Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $103,767.00 - $125,899.00

Ka Kati Ngā Tono hei te | Applications Close: Monday, 14 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.