Lead Strategic Advisor | Wellington | Fixed Term
Ministry of Social DevelopmentJobsCloseBy Editorial Insights
MSD seeks a Lead Strategic Advisor in Wellington on a fixed term to 30 June 2027 to steer high impact cross government work resolving historic abuse in care claims. You will combine legal, policy and strategic judgment to translate advice into operational and policy responses, support litigation, brief senior leaders and Ministers, and coordinate across agencies including health, education and Oranga Tamariki, while upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and human rights obligations. Essentials: a NZ law degree, 3–5 years’ legal experience, familiarity with the Royal Commission, and the ability to communicate complex issues clearly. Apply online with a tailored cover letter that shows how you will meet the responsibilities, highlight translating legal advice into policy, cross agency governance, and handling sensitive survivor information. Apply by 5 August 2026; internal MSD applicants use myHR.
- Lead complex, high-impact work across government
- Apply your policy and/or legal expertise to real-world outcomes
- Support resolution for survivors of abuse in care
Help shape fair and lawful outcomes for historic claims.
About our team | Mō te tīma
At MSD, we support New Zealanders to be safe, strong and independent.
The Historic Claims team works to resolve claims of abuse in state care in a way that is fair, lawful, and mana manaaki.
This role sits at the centre of complex legal, policy, and operational work across agencies.
About the role | Mō te tūnga
As Lead Strategic Advisor, you will:
- Lead strategic advice to support the resolution of historic claims
- Work with MSD Legal on litigation and legal risk
- Translate legal advice into practical operational and policy responses
- Support preparation for litigation, including coordinating agency input
- Provide advice to senior leaders and Ministers on complex and sensitive issues
- Work across agencies (including health, education, and Oranga Tamariki)
This is a legal–policy–strategy role, requiring strong judgement and the ability to operate in a highly sensitive environment.
This is a fixed term role ending 30 June 2027 and is based in our Wellington office.
Why this role matters:
- You will help ensure decisions are fair, lawful, and consistent with human rights obligations
- You will contribute to improving outcomes for survivors of abuse in care
- You will support public trust in government decision-making
Te Tiriti o Waitangi and working at MSD
We are committed to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi in our work. You will apply Treaty principles and support culturally responsive engagement with Māori, whānau, hapū and iwi.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga
Legal expertise:
- Law degree (LLB or equivalent)
- 3–5 years’ experience in a law firm or legal environment in New Zealand
- Familiarity with the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care
- Strong understanding of:
- Privacy Act 2020 and information law
- New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 and the Human Rights framework
- Public law and Crown decision-making
Applying legal advice in practice:
- Experience taking legal advice and translating it into operational or policy settings
- Ability to identify and manage legal risk in complex cases
- Understanding of litigation processes and supporting court preparation
Communication and influence:
- Strong writing skills, including briefings for senior leaders and Ministers
- Proven ability to communicate clearly with senior managers and decision makers
- Ability to explain complex legal or policy issues in plain language
Working in a complex environment:
- Strong relationship management skills across agencies and stakeholders
- Sound judgement and ability to work with sensitive information
- Ability to prioritise and deliver under pressure
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
A copy of the positio description can be found here. Lead Strategic Advisor position description.
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $122,381.00 - $152,296.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Wednesday 5 August 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.