Are you passionate about helping organisations achieve better outcomes through assurance? Do you enjoy influencing future ways of working, partnering with stakeholders, and embedding integrity by design rather than focusing solely on compliance? If so, we would love to hear from you.
At the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), we work alongside the business, including services for the future – our transformation programme, to add value, support effective decision-making, and embed meaningful change.
Our focus is on making it easy for our people to safely do the right thing with integrity while helping MSD achieve its strategic and operational objectives. As MSD continues its transformation journey, our assurance work will play a critical role in supporting sustainable and effective change that will serve New Zealanders for many years to come.
Reporting to the Manager Assurance, the Assurance Specialist is responsible for helping embed assurance practices across MSD. As the organisation progresses its transformation programme and future service delivery initiatives, you will contribute to shaping new ways of working by promoting integrity and assurance by design.
The Assurance team is part of the Workplace Integrity group within the Organisational Assurance and Communications business group. We work across MSD to influence, support, and strengthen assurance practices at both strategic and operational levels.
In this role, you will:
About You:
Tika me te Pono – We do the right thing with integrity
You demonstrate sound judgement, objectivity, and professionalism. You build trust through your credibility and can navigate complex situations while providing balanced, well-considered advice that supports informed decision-making.
Manaaki – We care about the wellbeing and success of our people
You bring empathy, respect, and professionalism to your interactions. You are comfortable providing constructive advice and feedback, and you help build the confidence and capability of those around you.
Mahi Tahi – We work together to make a difference
You think strategically while remaining grounded in operational realities. You enjoy collaborating with others, influencing outcomes, and driving improvements, even when you do not have formal authority.
Whānau – We are inclusive and build a sense of belonging
You value diversity, inclusion, and collaboration. You are motivated by being part of a supportive, agile team that contributes to positive outcomes for MSD and the communities we serve across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Ideally, you will have experience in assurance and a proven ability to work effectively in complex organisational environments. Experience in programme, project, and/or IT assurance would be highly advantageous, particularly given MSD’s significant transformation initiatives.
You will be adaptable, resilient, and comfortable operating in an evolving environment where priorities and opportunities continue to emerge.
What We Offer:
Additional Information:
Interested?
For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Mari-Anne Williamson, Manager Assurance, at Mari-Anne.Williamson066@msd.govt.nz or 029 202 2634.
Join us and help shape assurance practices that enable MSD to deliver better outcomes with integrity, confidence, and purpose.
Before you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment
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. Please highlight how your skills and experience relate to the key responsibilities listed in the position description and job advertisement.
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.
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. 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.
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