Senior Advisor | Transformation | Wellington

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

Job summary

Ministry of Social Development is seeking Senior Advisors to support the Integrated Delivery function of a major transformation programme. You will translate complex state definitions into smaller packages aligned to business outcomes and programme objectives, guiding teams through shifting priorities with resilience.

Applicants should demonstrate senior‑level experience in complex, high‑profile sector work, lead initiatives with multiple deadlines, and communicate clearly to diverse audiences

Qualifications

• Requires strategic thinking and ability to translate complex ideas into actionable packages.
• Proven leadership capability with experience across large, complex workstreams.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to present to diverse audiences.
• Experience translating large volumes of information into smaller, outcome‑oriented initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver across multiple work items with conflicting timeframes.
• Provide effective leadership and model MSD values and principles.
• Communicate clearly to a range of audiences to ensure messages are understood.
• Foster positive, cooperative relationships and influence without authority.
• Analyse large volumes of information and derive actionable insights to improve outcomes.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Prioritisation under pressure

Influencing without authority

Policy/programme delivery

Job description

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MSD is transforming how we deliver services, creating a welfare system that’s simpler, smarter and centred on people.

Join a talented team delivering one of New Zealand’s most significant transformation programmes and help create better experiences and outcomes for New Zealanders.

About the role | Mō te tūnga

We are looking for Senior Advisors with experience working at a senior level across large and complex work to support the Integrated Delivery function of the transformation programme.

These roles require the ability to think strategically and communicate complex ideas in a concise and digestible way.

You'll use your previous experience working with large volumes of information to translate and make sense of transition state definitions and create smaller packages of mahi and initiatives aligned to business outcomes and programme objectives.

You’ll be able to demonstrate resilience with complex work, conflicting deadlines, ambiguity and the ability to work well in a team environment.

You will be confident in:

• leading and delivering across multiple work items with conflicting timeframes
• providing effective leadership and role model our purpose and principles
• encouraging initiative and commitment to the team’s programme and priorities
• communicating logically, fluently, and succinctly both verbally and in writing to ensure messages are understood, and delivering these to a range of audiences
• fostering positive and co-operative working relationships
• the ability to influence others and motivate people to achieve high levels of performance
• experience working at a senior level on either transformational or highly complex work
• proven ability to work collaboratively and responsively in a dynamic and high-profile sector
• proven to analyse and theme large volumes of complex written information
• an ability to use and interpret analytics and insights to improve user experience
• proven stakeholder engagement, collaboration, and communication skills
• proven ability to work at pace and deliver to tight timeframes
• demonstrated experience to influence without authority and build trusted relationships
• strong communication, planning, and organisational skills in a busy team environment

Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $103,815.00 - $125,958.00

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.

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.

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.