Principal Advisor, Quality Improvement

Help shape the future of our quality framework and associated measurement approach to improve outcomes for disabled people.

About our team | Mo te tima :

The Disability Support Services (DSS) Group is responsible for commissioning, funding, and stewarding high-quality services that support disabled people, their families, and whanau.

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 | Mo te tunga :

We're on a mission to strengthen disability support services across Aotearoa — and we need a sharp, future-focused Principal Advisor to help us get there, working as an integral member of our Quality Assurance and Improvement Team.

This 12-month fixed term or Secondment is your opportunity to lead and inform the development of a national quality framework that will define, measure, and benchmark high-quality service delivery across our funded disability support service providers.

Please note : This role is Wellington based.

Key responsibilities include :

• Lead and inform the development of a quality framework for disability support services
• Develop meaningful indicators, measures, and standards that reflect person-centred, equitable care
• Create benchmarking tools to assess provider performance and drive continuous improvement
• Engage with providers, people with lived experience, and sector leaders to ensure relevance and impact
• Translate complex information into clear, actionable insights for strategic, operational and improvement purposes

We value diversity and welcome applications from disabled people and those who have lived experience with whanau, 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 | Ou pumanawatanga :

• A strong background in programme leadership and analytical rigour,
• A collaborative mindset to a role that sits at the intersection of policy, practice, and performance.
• Exceptional understanding of quality systems, service design, and performance measurement.
• Programme and project leadership experience in health, disability, or social services.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills — you know how to turn data into impactful direction.
• Ability to work across diverse stakeholders with credibility and empathy.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity, and inclusive practice.

Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tunga :

A copy of the position description can be found here : Principal Advisor Quality Improvement position description.

Salary | Utu-a-tau : $142,874.00 - $177,798.00

Applications close | Ka kati nga tono hei te : Thursday 25 September 2025.

About us | Mo matou :

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, whanau 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 pehea 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

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 whanau 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.