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, 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.
Senior Advisor - Pasefika Proud team
- 1 Permanent opportunity
- Wellington based
Mo te tima / About the Group
The Maori, Communities and Partnerships Group (MCP) is responsible for building capability across MSD to support the aspirations of Maori, Pacific and Migrant population groups, connecting and collaborating to build effective partnerships and community approaches that achieve better outcomes for those who most need our support.
The Pacific and Community Capability Programmes team focuses on influencing and directly delivering major change strategies and initiatives for MCP. As a team we establish and lead Maori Communities and Partnerships programmes of work in relation to Pacific and Community Capability, including the development, implementation and on-going review of strategies and action plans in these areas, such as Pacific Prosperity, the Ministry's Pacific Strategy and Action Plan.
Mo te tunga / About the role
We're seeking a professional Senior Advisor to work in our fast paced and dynamic environment. You will be responsible for facilitating, influencing, developing, improving and advising on a range of social and health services for Pacific families and communities from inception through to implementation. Beyond service provision you will be expected to support the mobilisation and facilitation with Pacific communities and implementation of locally funded initiatives under Pasefika Proud that contribute to Pacific community well-being outcomes that are both ethnic-specific Pacific and pan-Pacific centric.
Pasefika Proud is a key enabler for Pacific Prosperity.
You are expected to provide support to our Pacific stakeholders who have received funding to support capability and resilience to assist them in identifying sustainable pathways. This work will inform best practices and influence systems change within the Ministry and beyond when responding for Pacific Peoples, families and communities regionally and nationally with your advice, information and data from key contact with Pacific stakeholders.
Mou - Nga Pukenga me nga Wheako / Skills and experience
- Proven stakeholder relationship management skills with Pacific communities and service providers and MSD business groups (National and Regional)
- Confidence in analysis and advising on Pacific communities' narratives
- Strong ability to draw on data and information to substantiate our approaches
- Familiar with the histories and heritage of Pacific ethnicities before and after migration to Aotearoa, New Zealand
- Ability to coordinate, lead, and influence major capability work programmes in MSD for Pacific providers and community groups including faith communities
- Able to implement Pathways for Change (Pasefika Proud) for the benefit of Pacific service providers, communities, and family's outcomes
- A team player who takes initiative in a remote management setting
- Ability and commitment to teaching, learning and working with Pacific cultural concepts, customs and practices to raise the capability of MSD staff and wider Public Service agency workforces
Position Description
Senior 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 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: Thursday 4th September, 2025.
Joining us
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.
