Director - Place-Based Initiatives | Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland |Secondment / Fixed-Term

Ministry of Social Development; Ngqushwa Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1 570 000 - 2 079 000; Full time

Job summary

A government department in South Africa is seeking a Director to lead Place-Based Initiatives in South Auckland. This senior role involves delivering strategic leadership, ensuring operational excellence, and building partnerships within communities. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in leadership within complex organizations and a strong commitment to community empowerment. The position offers a competitive salary and is critical for fostering collaborative community solutions.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in a large, complex organisation.
• Proven strength in strategic planning and performance oversight.
• Deep capability in building partnerships with diverse communities.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior leadership across the PBI portfolio.
• Lead future planning for PBI, managing risks and dependencies.
• Champion co-design and community-led solutions.

Skills

Strategic planning

Operational leadership

Building partnerships

Communication skills

Political acumen

Job description

Director, Place-Based Initiatives | Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland | Secondment / Fixed-Term

Fixed-term / Secondment – ending June 2026

Location: Ellerslie Regional Office

Help shape system-wide change and strengthen outcomes for communities across South Auckland.

We are establishing a Director to lead the implementation function of the South Auckland Social Wellbeing Board a Place-Based Initiative (PBI). This senior role provides leadership, operational oversight, and system alignment to ensure PBI delivers meaningful, community-led outcomes in partnership with iwi, Pacific organisations, local government, and regional stakeholders.

About the role | Mō te tūnga:

The Director – Place-Based Initiatives delivers on strategy, performance, and coordination across the PBI portfolio and ensures the work aligns with MSD’s priorities and wider system expectations.

A core part of the role involves building trusted relationships with iwi, Pacific partners, community leaders, NGOs, and system agencies. You will champion co-design, community-led approaches, and equitable access to services. This role reports to the Regional Public Service Commissioner, Auckland South.

What you’ll be doing | He aha tāu e mahi ana

• Provide senior leadership across the PBI portfolio, ensuring strategic alignment and strong performance.
• Lead any future planning for PBI, managing risks and dependencies to support on-going operational excellence.
• Build and maintain influential relationships across iwi, Pacific organisations, community groups, local government, NGOs, and central government partners.
• Champion co-design and community-led solutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of South Auckland.
• Embed Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles across decision-making and delivery.
• Ensure strong governance, risk management, reporting, and accountability.

What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:

You are an experienced senior leader who can navigate complexity, influence across systems, and bring organisations together around shared goals. You bring strong judgement, political acumen, and the ability to lead through ambiguity while delivering results.

We’re looking for someone with:

• Senior leadership experience in a large, complex organisation (public sector preferred).
• Proven strength in strategic planning, operational leadership, project/portfolio delivery, and performance oversight.
• Deep capability in building partnerships with iwi, Pacific organisations, and diverse communities.
• A track record of delivering through others, lifting capability, and managing change.
• Strong judgement, communication skills, and confidence aligning decisions with policy and organisational direction.

Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:

View the Position Description here: http://www.msd.govt.nz/hr/documents/position-descriptions/dce-service-delivery/client-service-delivery/director-place-based-initiatives.docx

Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $161,811.00 - $214,131.00

Me Pēhea te Tono | How to Apply

To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form. A concise cover letter outlining your suitability and relevant leadership experience.

Internal MSD Applicants: Please apply through myHR after obtaining your manager’s approval.

Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description.

All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact Executive Assistant to Regional Commissioner – Mohe Koloamatangi at [e-mail]

Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.

Closing date: 11.59pm Friday 28 November 2025

Joining us

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. We are a Treaty partner committed to strengthening relationships with Māori, Hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.

If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.