Principal Programme Advisor | MSD - services for the future | Transformation
Ministry of Social DevelopmentJobsCloseBy Editorial Insights
MSD is seeking a Principal Programme Advisor for the Transformation Programme Office in Wellington, a permanent full-time onsite role that leads design, governance and quality assurance across complex transformation work, builds stakeholder confidence, and mentors senior staff while embedding Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti into practice. You will develop frameworks, provide high-level analysis, produce concise briefings for ministers, and foster collaboration across teams. The ideal candidate has substantial portfolio or programme delivery experience, a track record of improving standards and processes, strong facilitation and writing skills, and the ability to translate complexity into action. To apply, tailor your cover letter to the key responsibilities, provide concrete examples, include your CV, and review the Responsible AI guidance; applications close 6 September 2026, salary $142,874 to $177,798.
- Permanent Position
- Based at National Office, Wellington
About the role | Mō te tūnga
This is a key advisory role in the Transformation Programme Office, providing expertise, leadership and delivery across specialist programme management areas. You will help shape and improve transformation programme delivery confidence by ensuring programme controls, processes, systems, and services are of high quality, consistent, and fit-for-purpose.
You may lead a centre of excellence, designing and owning frameworks, or you may be a champion for continuous improvement, lessons learned, and quality assurance. . You will build stakeholder confidence, support consistent practice across the programme, and create the transparency and insight needed for shared understanding and sound decision making.
Working collaboratively across MSD, you will ensure programme practices and products align with corporate frameworks, policies and practices, are easy to understand and use, and provide clear, insightful information to delivery teams and decision makers.
In this role you will:
- Lead programme management approaches in designated areas of expertise, including capability and maturity uplift, tools, support, reporting, and advisory services.
- Provide subject matter expertise and specialist advice to transformation programme leadership and senior stakeholders.
- Lead the development, implementation and maintenance of frameworks, standards, processes, and quality assurance activities.
- Provide high-level analysis and integrated perspectives on complex issues to support sound decisions and maintain a single source of truth.
- Produce concise and effective documents, briefings and reports for senior leaders and Ministers.
- Build strong relationships across the programme and wider organisation, and support collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.
- Coach and mentor Senior and Programme Advisors Embed Te Ao Māori, including te reo Māori, tikanga, kawa and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, into the way we work at MSD.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga
- Significant experience in complex portfolio or programme design or delivery.
- Proven experience developing, promoting and improving specialist programme management practices, frameworks, standards and processes.
- Strong facilitation, training and coaching skills, with the ability to build capability and maturity across an organisation.
- Proven ability to engage, influence and build high-quality relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including senior management and third-party service providers.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with sound judgement in complex and time-pressured situations.
- The ability to turn complex ideas and concepts into practical actions and gain stakeholder engagement, commitment and buy-in.
- Strong written communication skills and the ability to produce accurate, concise and high-quality documents and reports.
- The ability to manage competing priorities, work autonomously, and collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience mentoring staff.
- Experience working in mixed methodology environments.
What We Offer | Tā mātou e tuku ana
- The opportunity to contribute to a once-in-a-generation transformation that will shape how MSD supports New Zealanders.
- A principal-level role with scope to influence programme practice, decision making and delivery quality across a complex transformation programme.
- The opportunity to work collaboratively with senior leaders, programme and delivery teams, and specialist partners across MSD.
- A supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.
If you are an experienced programme professional who can provide trusted advice, lead improvements and build confidence through high-quality programme practice, we want to hear from you!
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $142,874.00 - $177,798.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: 6 September 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.