Principal Advisors

Join a team committed to equity, innovation, and outcomes for disabled people and tangata whaikaha Maori.

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 are seeking two experienced Principal Advisors to join our newly formed Commissioning and Funding group.

Reporting to the General Manager Commissioning and Funding or the Director Commissioning, you'll lead strategic thinking, provide expert advice, and influence commissioning practice across the Commissioning & Funding Group.

You'll take a senior advisory role supporting strategic direction, planning, and delivery across the Group and provide high-level expertise, assurance, and leadership across work programmes and contribute to performance reporting and strategic frameworks.

Key responsibilities include :

• Support strategic planning and reporting for the Group and wider business unit
• Provide senior technical advice and thought leadership across commissioning work
• Lead commissioning capability uplift and quality improvement initiatives
• Deliver high-quality analysis and advice to support strategic outcomes
• Represent DSS in inter-agency and sector-wide discussions
• Identify and address risks, issues, and opportunities at the group level.

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 :

We're looking for people who bring a mix of strategic insight, commissioning expertise, and relationship-building skills.

You'll be a trusted advisor and a collaborative leader who can influence outcomes and uplift capability.

• Proven experience in strategic commissioning and procurement, including mapping funding flows and identifying opportunities for change and efficiency
• Skilled in writing clear, insightful, advice, briefings and reports for the minister
• Experience leading capability uplift and system improvements
• Knowledge of the disability sector and commissioning for outcomes would be an advantage
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equity principles
• Ability to influence and engage stakeholders across sectors
• Experience working across operational and strategic programmes
• Ability to work at pace, pivot quickly, and manage complexity
• Familiarity with machinery of government systems and inter-agency collaboration.

Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tunga :

A copy of the position description can be found here.

Principal Advisor Commissioning and Funding position description.

Salary | Utu-a-tau : $142,

• $177,

Applications close | Ka kati nga tono hei te : Sunday 30 November

About us | Mo matou :

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) 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.