Senior Contracts Development Officer | Wellington

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 63,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Social Development in Wellington seeks a Senior Contract Development Officer to lead the drafting, review, and administration of social service contracts and funding agreements. You will translate funding arrangements into precise documentation and maintain robust contract records within a busy planning, procurement and contracting team.

This permanent role offers autonomy, with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and high-quality outputs in a fast-paced public sector environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in an administration, contract administration, or coordination role within a complex organisation.
• Strong written communication skills and the ability to prepare clear, professional documentation.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and process contracts, variations, renewals, and extensions.
• Interpret funding instructions and business requirements to prepare accurate contract documentation.
• Complete funding calculations and verify information for accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain contract records, databases, and supporting documentation.
• Provide quality assurance and peer review support for contract development activities.

Skills

Administration experience

Contract administration

Coordination

Attention to detail

MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Date: 13 October 2026Location: Wellington, NZCompany: Ministry of Social DevelopmentPlay a key role supporting the delivery of essential social service procurement and contracts across AotearoaBring your senior administration expertise to a collaborative teamPermanent Wellington-based opportunity with variety, responsibility, and autonomyIf you're an experienced administrator who takes pride in producing high-quality work and looking to broaden your experience we'd love to hear from you.About our team | Mo te timaThe Planning, Procurement and Contracting National Office team plays a critical role in enabling the effective delivery of social services across New Zealand.The team leads the development and maintenance of procurement and contract management standards, policies, and practices, while overseeing the accurate drafting, review, processing, and administration of new and amended social service contracts.Operating in a fast-paced and complex environment, the team works closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure high-quality contract outcomes that support services for New Zealanders.About the role | Mo te tungaAs a Senior Contract Development Officer, you will provide expertise and support in the development, review, and administration of social service contracts and funding agreements.Working within the Planning, Procurement, and Contracting team, you'll be responsible for preparing, reviewing, and maintaining accurate contractual documentation, ensuring agreements are compliant, fit for purpose, and delivered to a high standard. You'll work closely with internal stakeholders to translate funding arrangements and business requirements into clear and accurate contract documentation.This is a role for someone who enjoys working with detail, managing competing priorities, and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.This is a permanent opportunity and is based in our Wellington Office.Key responsibilities include:Draft, review, and process contracts, variations, renewals, and extensionsInterpret funding instructions and business requirements to prepare accurate contract documentationComplete funding calculations and verify information for accuracy and complianceMaintain contract records, databases, and supporting documentationProvide quality assurance and peer review support for contract development activitiesSupport reporting, audits, continuous improvement initiatives, and stakeholder enquiriesWe 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 pumanawatangaProven experience in an administration, contract administration, or coordination role within a complex organisationProven ability to manage high volumes of detailed documentation with exceptional accuracyStrong written communication skills and the ability to prepare clear, professional documentationConfidence working with numbers and interpreting information accuratelyAdvanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Word, Excel, and OutlookStrong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise competing demands and deadlinesSound judgement, problem-solving skills, and attention to detailAbility to handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and discretionExperience working with contracts, funding agreements, procurement documentation, or contract management systems would be advantageous but is not essentialPosition Description | He Whakaahuatanga TungaA copy of the position description can be found here. Senior Contract Development Officer position description.Salary | Utu-a-tau: $63,004.00- $73,903.00Applications close | Ka kati nga tono hei te: Monday 26 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.Find similar jobs:Corporate Jobs