Change Management Principal Advisor, Wellington

Press Tab to Move to Skip to Content Link

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert :

Change Management Principal Advisor, MSD – services for the future

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.

As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner we are committed to supporting and enabling Maori, whanau, hapu, 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.

Join MSD's flagship transformation programme, MSD – services for the future, and help shape how we deliver services to New Zealanders for the next 30 years.

MSD – services for the future is about MSD's future role and how we can make a bigger and better difference for New Zealanders.

It will help us achieve the shifts we want to make to achieve our strategic goal, Te Pae Tawhiti.

Permanent role

Based at National Office in Wellington

You'll join a passionate, future-focused team at the heart of MSD's once-in-a-generation transformation.

We work collaboratively across the organisation, supporting each other to deliver innovative, people-centred change that will benefit New Zealanders for decades to come.

About the role | Mo te tunga

As Change Management Principal Advisor, you will lead a pillar of activity within MSD's transformation programme.

You'll drive the planning, development, and implementation of change strategies that ensure the success of our transformation and its deliverables.

You'll be a versatile and experienced change practitioner, bringing both theoretical knowledge, practical, on-the-ground experience and a pragmatic approach to delivery that is centred on a commitment to people's experience of change.

You'll provide strategic breadth and operational support, making connections, navigating ambiguity, and proactively identifying opportunities for collaboration and improvement across MSD's diverse service portfolios.

You'll work alongside Service Delivery and our technology delivery teams, to ensure that people, process and technology come together to deliver effective change for the people MSD support, and the staff that support them.

You'll be great at joining the dots and seeing how change connects, not just across the programme but also in the context of the organisation.

This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger : shaping the future of social services in Aotearoa and making a real difference for our communities.

Significant experience designing and managing enterprise and / or organisational change, ideally in large-scale transformation programmes

Proven ability to lead, influence, and inspire others, with both strategic vision and operational know-how

Excellent relationship management and communication skills, with experience providing strategic advice to senior leaders

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, able to present a coherent picture and clear options

Experience developing and leading critical areas of change work coupled with resilience and perspective to help others navigate challenges and uncertainty when they arise

A collaborative, inclusive approach that reflects MSD's values and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnership

Commitment to supporting and enabling Maori, whanau, hapu, iwi, and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations

What's in it for you | Nou te rourou

Be at the heart of MSD's flagship transformation programme, helping to set up MSD for the next 30 years

Work in a supportive, inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and encourages everyone to thrive

Collaborate with senior leaders and teams across MSD, making a tangible impact on the lives of New Zealanders

Help shape the future, lead the change, be the spark that helps MSD deliver services for generations to come.

Salary | Utu-a-tau : $142,

• $177,

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 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.

We are a Treaty partner committed to strengthening relationships with Maori, Hapu, 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.

#J-