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.
Products and Practice Specialist – Youth Service, Wellington
Shape the future of Youth Services across Aotearoa.
We’re looking for an experienced and passionate Products and Practice Specialist to lead and support the development, delivery, and continual enhancement of training solutions for Youth Service providers nationwide.
You’ll play a critical part in equipping youth coaches and service providers with the skills, knowledge, and tools they need to deliver high-quality, effective services to taiohi (young people). From onboarding to targeted development, you’ll create and refine training that aligns with MSD’s policies, operational requirements, and best practice standards.
You may already have youth development experience and ideally would be familiar with MDS’s product and services.
Ko te mahi / What you’ll be doing:
- Designing, coordinating, and delivering innovative training programmes—both online and in-person.
- Supporting the onboarding and ongoing capability development of Youth Service providers.
- Monitoring training impact through data and feedback and implementing continuous improvement.
- Collaborating across MSD and with external partners to align training with wider learning frameworks.
- Embedding te ao Māori into our training design and delivery.
- Building strong, trust-based relationships with regional teams, providers, and internal stakeholders.
Ōu pūmanawatanga / What you’ll bring:
- Expertise in training development and facilitation, ideally within government, social services, or youth-focused sectors and/or an understanding of MSD products and services
- Strong analytical and planning skills—able to use data and insight to inform training solutions.
- Proven relationship-building skills and experience working collaboratively across diverse groups.
- A proactive, flexible mindset with excellent written and verbal communication.
- A commitment to te Tiriti o Waitangi and capability in engaging with whānau, hapū and iwi.
This is a unique opportunity to lead meaningful capability development that will directly impact the lives of young New Zealanders. If you thrive in a role that mixes strategic thinking, practical delivery, and people-focused collaboration, we want to hear from you.
Help shape the future of Youth Services. Apply today and be part of building better outcomes for taiohi across Aotearoa.
realising the dreams and aspirations of youth
tau awhitia te taiohi, ka puta ki te wheiao
Position Description
Product and Practice Specialist position description
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 [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: 19 June 2025
Apply early. Suitable candidates may be progressed prior to closing date.
Salary range: $78,222 to $84,398
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.
