About this role
Work alongside senior leaders to shape direction, priorities and decision-making Bring people together to lead through complexity and improve outcomes for disabled people and tangata whaikaha Māori Wellington-based, permanent opportunity About our team | Mō te tīma The Disability Support Services (DSS) Group is responsible for commissioning, funding, and stewarding high-quality services that support disabled people, their families, and whānau. We work closely with providers, stakeholders, and communities to ensure services are fair, consistent, transparent and sustainable. With a strong focus on performance monitoring, data, and insights, we’re committed to continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making. We’re looking for passionate people to help us achieve our goals and make a meaningful impact.
About the role | Mō te tūnga We’re looking for a Principal Advisor to provide strategic advice, thought leadership and expertise to the Deputy Chief Executive and Leadership Team, helping to shape the direction, performance and priorities of Disability Support Services and the Ministry. Operating across a complex and evolving environment, you will bring a whole-of-system perspective, working across teams and with senior leaders to bring people together around complex issues, identify emerging opportunities and risks, and support informed decision-making. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to organisational priorities, build internal capability and get involved in the strategic direction of the disability system to deliver better outcomes for disabled people, whanau and communities.
Key responsibilities include
- Provide strategic advice and support to the Deputy Chief Executive and Leadership Team on organisational priorities, performance and emerging issues.
- Contribute to and influence the strategic direction, planning and delivery for DSS and the Ministry Lead and facilitate complex pieces of work that require coordination across multiple teams, business groups and other agencies Identify and respond to changes in the political, operational and public sector environment and advise on implications for DSS Provide expert advice on key issues and opportunities Work alongside others across DSS to build capability, share knowledge and provide coaching and guidance on strategic issues and ministerial activities.
- Lead strategic projects and continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen organisational performance and capability We value diversity and welcome applications from disabled people and those who have lived experience with whānau, 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 | Ōu pūmanawatanga Significant experience providing strategic advice to Deputy Chief Executive, Chief Executive or Executive Leadership Team level Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in complex, fast paced and ambiguous environments and translate strategy into action Experience in engaging with Ministerial and Chief Executive offices Strong systems thinking, with the ability to understand how organisation, sector and government priorities intersect High level of political nous and understanding of the machinery of government and public sector decision-making Proven ability to influence outcomes and build commitment across diverse stakeholder groups, including where there is no direct line authority Exceptional judgement, foresight and the ability to identify emerging risks and opportunities Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving abilities A collaborative approach, with the ability to bring people together, share expertise and work through others to achieve outcomes.
Strong written skills and the ability to write for diverse audiences including experience in preparing advice for senior leaders and Ministers Commitment to improving outcomes for disabled people, whanau and communities Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga A copy of the position description can be found here. Principal Advisor Advisory position description.
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $163,429.00 - $217,905.00 Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Tuesday 24th November 2026.
About us | Mō mātou 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.
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono Before 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 recruitment. To 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 [email protected]. Internal 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 mai 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. 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.