Principal Advisor Ministerial Interface | Wellington | Permanent at Ministry of Social Development

Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

04 Apr, 26

Salary

177798.0

Posted On

04 Jan, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Ministerial Servicing, Relationship Management, OIA, Public Records Act, Privacy Act, Briefing Protocols, Political Sensitivities, Governance, Reputational Risk, Document Drafting, Quality Assurance, Strategic Advice, Mentoring, Process Improvement, Communication, Issue Resolution

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Provide trusted advice to senior leaders on ministerial and reputational matters Lead the end-to-end process for OIAs, OPQs, WPQs, and ministerial briefings Build strong relationships with ministerial offices and drive process improvements Join a collaborative team where your expertise in ministerial servicing and relationship management will shape how we engage with Ministers and Parliament. 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’re building leadership and management capacity across our teams to deliver both change and business-as-usual effectively. 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. It’s an exciting time to join DSS as we strengthen our systems and expand our capabilities. 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 highly skilled Principal Advisor Ministerial Interface to join our team at the National Office in Wellington. This role is crucial in ensuring the organisation’s OIA’s, OPQs, Privacy Requests, WPQ’s and ministerial correspondence, briefings, and responses are timely, accurate, and meet all legislative and policy requirements. You’ll act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, mentor team members, and develop protocols and processes for effective ministerial engagement. Key responsibilities include: Lead and support the end-to-end ministerial servicing process, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with government expectations. Provide strategic advice to senior leaders on ministerial engagement, including risk identification, mitigation strategies, and reputational considerations. Build and maintain trusted, professional relationships with ministerial offices, acting as a key liaison for smooth communication and issue resolution. Coordinate and oversee the quality assurance of ministerial documents, ensuring consistency, clarity, and compliance with required formats and protocols. Monitor political and operational developments to anticipate ministerial needs and proactively manage emerging issues 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: An expert understanding of Cabinet, parliamentary, and ministerial processes, including briefing protocols and timelines. Proven experience in the OIA, Public Records Act, and Privacy Act legislation and processes. Experience in drafting and reviewing high-quality ministerial documents for senior audiences under tight deadlines. Deep knowledge of public sector governance, political sensitivities, and the machinery of government. Proven ability to manage key relationships at a senior level both internally and externally, providing high-quality advice. Experience in the development and maintenance of processes and systems required to support effective delivery of the function. Strong understanding of reputational risk, escalation pathways, and how to navigate politically sensitive issues. Flexible and adaptable where priorities and timeframes require. Ability to translate complex policy or operational issues into clear, concise, and audience-appropriate language. Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga: A copy of the position description can be found here. Principal Advisor Ministerial Interface position description. Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $142,874.00 - $177,798.00 Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Sunday 18 Janurary 2026. About us | Mō mātou: 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, disability support and services and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities. 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: 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 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. 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.

Responsibilities

The Principal Advisor Ministerial Interface will lead the end-to-end ministerial servicing process, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. They will also provide strategic advice to senior leaders and build relationships with ministerial offices.