Advisor Commissioning

This is an opportunity to shape how services are commissioned through high-quality analysis, advisory support, and process improvement.

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 :

Reporting to the Director Commissioning as the Advisor you'll support the delivery of commissioning activities by providing high-quality research, analysis, and advisory support to the commissioning team.

You'll help ensure commissioning processes are robust and efficient, while identifying opportunities for improvement and building foundational capability across the team.

This is a permanent full time role based in Wellington.

Key responsibilities include :

• Provide timely, high-quality advice and analysis to support commissioning activities
• Coordinate and support all stages of the commissioning lifecycle
• Translate commissioning thinking into practical actions and documentation
• Analyse research, evaluations and other evidence and present findings in clear formats to a high standard (e.g. reports, memos illustrating data and evidence)
• Maintain accurate commissioning records and support audit processes
• Collaborate with stakeholders to clarify requirements and align activities
• Identify and implement process improvements across commissioning functions
• Ensure compliance with legislation, procurement rules, and internal policies

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 :

• Sound knowledge of commissioning processes and ethical standards
• Developing skills in research, data analysis, and critical thinking
• An understanding and experience in machinery of government and the public service
• Strong communication skills including the ability to write clear, concise reports at strategic and operational levels
• Experience preparing and reviewing commissioning documentation
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
• Experience in the disability sector or ability to build trust quickly
• Exercises sound judgement and political sensitivity
• Analytical thinker with strategic awareness and risk mitigation skills
• Exceptional capability in managing multiple deliverables to tight deadlines
• Strong relationship skills and ability to manage internal and external stakeholders

Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tunga : A copy the position desciption can be found here.

Advisor Commissioning postion description.

Salary | Utu-a-tau : $79,

• $95,

Applications close | Ka kati nga tono hei te : Sunday 23 November

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.

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.