Principal Advisor Engagementat Ministry of Social Development141,109 - 175,776
- 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.
Mō te tūnga | About the role:We are seeking a seasoned Principal Advisor- Engagement to lead the strategic integration of engagement practices into business-as-usual operations for Disability Support Services (DSS) and to lead targeted and effective engagement with communities who access DSS services.This role is pivotal in embedding long-term engagement strategies, developing clear guidelines, and ensuring that the voices of disabled people and iwi are central to shaping the future of DSS.
You will create strategic content and support and enable iwi and Māori community feedback and engagement and ensure that all communications are aligned with broader organisational frameworks and change initiatives.As a trusted advisor, you will work closely with senior leaders and stakeholders across MSD and externally, providing expert guidance on strategic communications, change management, and inclusive engagement approaches.This is a fixed-term or secondment opportunity through to 30 June 2026.
Key Responsibilities:Lead the development and implementation of a long-term engagement strategy that becomes embedded in business-as-usual.Develop clear guidelines to support consistent and inclusive engagement practices.Create strategic content tailored for iwi engagement and feedback, ensuring cultural responsiveness and relevance.Provide high-level advice to senior leaders on strategic communications, change impacts, and stakeholder engagement.Ensure alignment of all engagement and communication activities with MSD's overarching strategy and values.Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with iwi, disabled communities, and other key stakeholders.Champion inclusive engagement practices and ensure feedback is meaningfully incorporated into decision-making.
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:You are a strategic thinker with deep experience in communications and engagement, particularly in complex change environments.
You bring a strong understanding of how to embed engagement into organisational frameworks and have a proven ability to work collaboratively with iwi and diverse communities.
Skills and Experience:Proven experience in leading strategic communications and engagement initiatives, ideally within the public sector.Strong background in change management and embedding new practices into business-as-usual.Demonstrated experience working with iwi and applying Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in engagement strategies.Skilled in developing content and frameworks that support inclusive and culturally responsive engagement.Excellent relationship management and influencing skills across a wide range of stakeholders.Strong leadership and advisory capabilities, with the ability to guide senior leaders and teams.Your leadership skills will be key in driving strategy, and your ability to build strong relationships across diverse groups will help ensure the success of this important work.
A copy of the position description can be found here.Principal Advisor Engagement position description.
Salary range | Utu-ā-tau: $141,109
- $175,776 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.
All applications must be made online.
If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at jobs@msd.govt.nzInternal MSD Employees- please apply through your myHR portal at work.
This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.
Closing date: Sunday 13 July 2025.
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.
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.