About us
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.
Senior HR Advisor l Workforce Strategy and Organisational Design
- One position available: 1 fixed term/secondment (until 30 June 2026)
- Location: National Office, Wellington (preferred)
- Group: People Group – Workforce Design and Partnering
- Reports to: Director Workforce Design and Partnering / MSD – services for the future People, Workforce and Workplace Workstream Lead
Are you ready to help shape the future of MSD?
We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Senior HR Advisor to join our MSD – services for the future transformation programme – an opportunity to reimagine how MSD delivers services to New Zealanders. This is your chance to be at the heart of a major transformation that will impact over a million people and set the direction for the next 30 years.
Why this role is exciting:
- Strategic Impact: You’ll play a key role in designing the workforce of the future, supporting structural change, and embedding people-centric approaches that align with MSD’s long-term vision.
- Collaborative Environment: Work alongside transformation leaders, HR experts, and cross-functional teams to co-create solutions.
- Meaningful Purpose: Help realise MSD’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and support Māori, Pacific peoples, and all New Zealanders to thrive.
- Professional Growth: Be part of a high-profile programme where your expertise in HR, change management, and organisational design will be valued and expanded.
What you’ll be doing:
• Provide expert HR advice across role design, workforce planning, and change management.
• Support the development of our Workforce Strategy and “Our People Approach.”
• With closely with workstream leads and business groups to ensure our people are supported through transformation.
• Use data and insights to help make smart decisions about our workforce.
• Embed te ao Māori into our ways of working.
What we’re looking for:
• A trusted HR professional with experience in change and organisational design.
• Strong communicator and relationship builder.
• Skilled in navigating ambiguity and driving change.
• Committed to inclusive, people-first approaches.
Position Description
Senior HR Advisor Position Description
Salary range: $103,815 to $125,958
How to apply
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 jobs@msd.govt.nz
Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.
Closing date: Sunday 3rd August, 2025
Joining us
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.