Risk Specialist
Ministry of Social DevelopmentJobsCloseBy Editorial Insights
MSD seeks a Risk Specialist in the Workplace Integrity group at the National Office in Wellington on a fixed term secondment to June 2027. You will embed the risk management framework across MSD and its key programmes, providing expert advice to managers and teams to ensure risk informs strategy and delivery. The ideal candidate combines analytical and strategic thinking, can link risks to controls and risk appetite, and engages stakeholders at all levels including senior leadership. Experience embedding risk in large programmes and knowledge of government systems are essential. In your cover letter show how you meet the key responsibilities and align with MSD values; apply online with your CV, cover letter and form by 9 August 2026; internal applicants should use myHR and obtain secondment approval.
• National Office - Wellington
• Fixed term/Secondment through to 30 June 2027
Are you ready to champion best-practice risk management across an organisation? Do you want to play a part in transforming how MSD operate? Looking for a role where you can balance strategic thinking with practical delivery? If so, we would love to hear from you.
About our team | Mō te tīma
The Workplace Integrity group (including the Risk Services Team) has a role to play in supporting staff to carry out consistent business risk assessments across all levels by providing advice, support and guidance on applying the MSD business risk management framework. Along with this, the group is ensuring integrity is built in by design across our systems and processes, especially as we design new ways of working.
About the role | Mō te tūnga
As a Risk Specialist, you will play a key role in supporting the consistent application of MSD’s risk management framework and practices across the Ministry including “Services for the Future” – our transformational programme. You will provide expert advice, guidance, and technical support to managers, business groups, project managers and teams, helping ensure that risk considerations are embedded in strategic planning, operational activities, programmes, and projects.
You will do this by:
• Promoting and applying a robust process that is consist with standards, tools, and templates aligned to best practice
• Championing a proactive, risk-aware culture throughout the Ministry; including business groups and our project landscape
• Analyse risk information from a range of sources, identifying insights, and dependencies to provide meaningful advice and support informed decision-making.
• Add value by connecting diverse information sets, considering the broader organisational context and strategic objectives to identify emerging risks and opportunities.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga
To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:
• Proven analytical and strategic thinking abilities – you can identify risks, assess relevant controls, and offer clear, practical solutions
• Skills in linking risks to control objectives and aligning controls to risk appetite/culture
• Strong relationship and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence across all levels, including senior leadership
• Experience promoting and embedding risk management practices within large organisations, including projects and programmes
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills – you're confident leading discussions and promoting ideas
• Knowledge of government systems and an understanding of public sector challenges and priorities
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $118,288.00 - $143,647.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Sunday 9th 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 and If you are wanting to apply for the secondment, you must get your manager to approve before applying.
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.