Senior Strategic Advisor, Design, Delivery & Data

Public Service; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 143,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

The Principal Advisor in the Disability Support Services Group at the Ministry of Social Development provides high-level strategic, technical and analytical leadership to guide design and delivery across DSS Wellington. This senior role supports the General Manager and Director, shaping strategy and strengthening how work programmes are planned and executed.

Based in Wellington on a 6-month fixed-term secondment, you will influence strategic direction, governance, and evidence-based decision

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise navigating public sector and community service systems, with strong understanding of government structures.
• Significant knowledge and experience working in the disability sector.
• Proven experience providing senior technical leadership across strategic and operational work programmes.
• Experience designing and implementing evidence-based decision making, including data and lived experience.
• Strong research, evidence and analytical methods capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Support the General Manager or Director with strategic direction and business planning, contributing to wider DSS planning.
• Contribute to development of strategic initiatives, frameworks and policies for transformation.
• Provide leadership for programmes and projects, ensuring they are well planned and delivered with high-quality advice.
• Produce clear, accurate written analysis communicating issues, options and recommendations.
• Build collaborative relationships across DSS, government agencies, service providers and the disability community.
• Act as a trusted advisor on statutory and regulatory obligations and government decisions.
• Identify organisational risks and keep leaders informed.

Job description

The Principal Advisor in the Disability Support Services Group at the Ministry of Social Development provides high-level strategic, technical and analytical leadership to guide design and delivery across DSS Wellington. This senior role supports the General Manager and Director, shaping strategy and strengthening how work programmes are planned and executed.

Based in Wellington on a 6-month fixed-term secondment, you will influence strategic direction, governance, and evidence-based decision