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.
DCE Advisor, Deputy Chief Executive's (DCE) Office
• Opportunity to really make an impact
• 12 months Fixed term/Secondment opportunity
• Wellington based only
This is a unique and exciting opportunity to be part of the amazing work we do in the Māori, Communities and Partnerships group!
Mō te tīma / About the DCE Office
The DCE’s Office advocates Māori, Communities and Partnerships (MCP) position through strategic, credible and effective stakeholder relationships. It ensures that the DCE’s workflow and responsibilities are proactively managed to ensure the timely coordination and delivery of MCP’s work programme and key deliverables. We’re a small and busy team, delivering important mahi and making sure we have a good time while doing it.
Mō te tūnga / About the role
Reporting to the Director of the DCE Office you will provide high quality expert advice and support across a broad range of areas including:
• Supporting teams to deliver on their work programmes in line with DCE direction
• Coordination of requests and liaison across teams and business units
• Business planning, reporting and analysis
• Leading process improvement initiatives
• Governance advice and support for the development of capability initiatives
• Expert advice and guidance for ministerial reporting and Cabinet papers
• Risk management and issues resolution
Mōu – Ngā Pūkenga me ngā Wheako / Skills and experience
We are looking for an experienced advisor with a well-established background in advisory or analytical roles. This role requires someone who can step in with confidence and contribute from day one, rather than someone looking for a step-up opportunity. You will have an established record of relationship management, a working understanding of te ao Māori, and the ability to deliver clear, pragmatic advice. Finally, it is also important that you have proven experience in working at pace and under pressure.
A working understanding of the machinery of government is essential, and experience in an organisation that serves the public is desired.
You will be required to be in the office full-time, Monday to Friday, as the team often needs to respond quickly to emerging issues, and being on-site supports timely collaboration and efficient communication.
Key attributes we are looking for:
• Proven experience in an advisory role—we are looking for someone who has already operated at this level.
• Experience in an applied setting/operational agency.
• Exceptional written skills, especially in plain English.
• Ability to think critically and write succinctly under time pressure.
• Confidence in collating, analysing, and visualising data.
• Experience in providing strategic support and advice to management and senior executives.
• Strong relationship and stakeholder management skills.
• A flexible approach—DCE Advisors work across a variety of issues, products, and areas.
• Sound judgment and the ability to gain credibility quickly and influence at all levels.
• Agility and a sense of urgency.
This role is an excellent opportunity for a highly competent and politically astute DCE Advisor to work alongside senior leadership. You’ll need to bring political nous, agility, and a good sense of humour to thrive in this fast-paced environment.
Position Description
DCE Advisor Position Description
Salary range: $103,815.00 - $125,958.00
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 and provide specific examples of how your experience relates to the key requirements listed in the position description and advert.
All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at [email protected]
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: Wednesday 3rd September, 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.
