Principal Advisor Evidence and Effectiveness

Principal Advisor Evidence and Effectiveness

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 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.

As a Principal Advisor in the Insights team, you’ll play a key role in helping the Ministry understand what’s happening across the welfare system and why. You’ll lead work that brings together data, evidence, and insights to support better decisions and improve outcomes for New Zealanders.

You’ll work closely with others across the Ministry and the wider social sector to shape thinking, influence strategy, and provide high-quality advice. You’ll also help build capability in the team by mentoring others and supporting a culture of learning and collaboration.

This is a senior role where you’ll need to be confident working with complex information, telling clear stories with data, and thinking strategically. You’ll also need to be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and managing relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

We are looking for a person who is confident with data and delivering high-quality analysis, but also able to see the bigger picture and connect the dots to ensure that advice meets the needs of leaders and Ministers. You will be a person who can take initiative and drive work forward, particularly in rapid turn-around requests. Knowledge of MSD’s work areas would be a bonus.

To do well in this role, you’ll need to bring a mix of strong thinking, people skills, and a positive, professional attitude. You’ll be someone who :

• Gives high-quality advice or analysis on complex issues, even under pressure
• Knows what good advice or data looks like and gives helpful feedback
• Leads by example with a respectful, motivated, and professional approach
• Supports change and helps others through it
• Helps create a great team environment where people feel valued and motivated
• Has experience in either policy development and how Parliament and legislation work, or in research, evaluation, or data analysis, and how to link findings to policy
• Thinks strategically and gives advice that helps shape direction
• Communicates clearly—both in writing and in person—even when the topic is complex
• Solves tricky problems with practical, down-to-earth solutions
• Builds strong relationships and works well with a wide range of people
• Manages complex situations and earns trust at all levels
• Makes sound decisions and shows leadership
• Investigates and analyses complex issues and draws clear conclusions
• Is honest, thoughtful, open-minded, self-motivated, resilient, and a team player who brings a positive attitude and is keen to learn and grow

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

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

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 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.

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