Job Opportunities in New Zealand

About us The Ministry of Social Development 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 and 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.

Chief Advisor, Economics and Policy – Policy Group

• Lead projects that influence important policies in New Zealand
• Permanent, full-time position
• Wellington is the preferred location, but we're flexible

Take the lead in shaping key government programmes and work closely with senior leaders and ministers.

Te āhuatunga a te tūranga / About the role
As the Chief Advisor you'll lead major projects across the Policy Group and use economic and policy frameworks to improve welfare, employment and housing outcomes for New Zealanders. You'll also help connect economic thinking with tools that support social investment. Part of your role will include mentoring staff and ensuring that evidence-based policy advice shapes key decisions.

Skills and experience - Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako

• A strong background in welfare, employment, and housing policy, with experience leading large, complex government projects.
• A good understanding of government priorities and the political environment, and experience working with senior leaders and ministers.
• The ability to challenge and improve policy frameworks using evidence-based approaches.
• Experience using data and evidence to guide decision-making and support the development of others.
• Proven skills in creating practical policy options and making decisions that deliver real results.
• A reputation as a trusted advisor, with strong communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to manage diverse relationships and consider the needs of all New Zealanders.
• An adaptable mindset with resilience to navigate change in a public sector environment.
• A commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.
• Postgraduate qualification in economics, public policy, or a related field, with senior-level public sector experience.

Apply now to make a real impact on New Zealand's social and economic future.

Organisation environment / Te taiao o te rōpū

It is important to us to:

• prioritise your wellbeing and development
• provide a flexible working environment where you can learn from a supportive and collegial team of experienced policy professionals
• develop your career though the opportunities that come from a broad and varied work programme and our commitment to your ongoing professional development
• collaborate and support each other and we make sure everyone has the chance to develop and to take on new challenges
• value diversity of thinking and background – this informs the creation of responsive policy that reflects the communities we serve.

MSD has several employee-led networks that build a sense of community for our people so that they can contribute, belong and thrive. Our employee-led networks include, but are not limited to:

• National Office Māori Staff Network - Te Tini ō te Raurearea
• Pasefika Helava
• Disablednetwork@MSD
• Proud@MSD
• Women's Network
• Pan Asian Network.

MSD is a Care Wise employer. We commit to showing manaaki to people in our MSD whānau with caring commitments.

Position Description

Chief Advisor Position Description
Salary range: $175,102.00 - $258,401.00

How to apply
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, 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 us at jobs@msd.govt.nz
Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your my HR portal at work. This will ensure that your my HR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.
Closing date: Monday 30th September, 2024

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.
MSD has a COVID-19 vaccination policy that encourages, but does not require, employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and its variants, unless the role is identified as requiring vaccination at the time.