Auckland Council

Principal Advisor DSS Transformation | Wellington | Fixed term ending 30 June 2027

Auckland Council  •  NZ$71.44 - NZ$88.90/hr  •  Wellington, NZ (Onsite)  •  3 hours ago
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Job Description

  • Influence system-wide transformation shaping outcomes for disabled people and the disability sector
  • Trusted advisor to senior leaders on complex, high-impact and politically sensitive issues
  • Work at the centre of strategy, governance, and cross-agency alignment


Join Disability Support Services (DSS) Transformation and play a key role in shaping the future direction of services and system change across the Ministry. This is a senior, high-impact role where your expertise, insight and judgement will influence strategic priorities and outcomes at both organisational and system level.

About our team | Mō te tīma

The Disability Support Services Group (DSS) has been established to ensure fairer access to disability support services in New Zealand, ensuring those with the greatest needs receive quality support services.

The Transformation team is in place to continue work to strengthen DSS services for the future following the implementation of the independent review recommendations.

The work ahead aims to:

  • provide disabled people with certain and consistent access to DSS, no matter what their circumstances or where they live in New Zealand
  • prioritise funding for disabled people with the highest needs, and those who would benefit most from early intervention support,
  • ensure that Enabling Good Lives (EGL) principles are put into practice
  • ensure that the long-term sustainability of DSS is strengthened to provide disabled people and carers with services that are consistent, fair and affordable.

About the role | Mō te tūnga

Reporting to the General Manager DSS Transformation, you will provide strategic, operational, technical and analytical leadership across the business group and wider Ministry.

You will work with a high degree of autonomy to deliver authoritative, system-level advice, support effective governance, and ensure alignment across programmes and priorities.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Provide strategic advice to the General Manager on Transformation programme priorities, governance and engagement with the DSS leadership team
  • Ensure strong integration and alignment across the Transformation programme and other programmes of work, including implementation, planning, funding and monitoring
  • Represent the General Manager and DSS in cross-agency forums, engaging with senior leaders across government and the sector
  • Deliver authoritative advice to senior leaders and governance groups, shaping the direction and implementation of policy, major initiatives and organisational change
  • Develop and influence business group strategy, frameworks and approaches, ensuring alignment with government and organisational priorities
  • Identify and manage system-level risks, issues and dependencies, providing strategic mitigation advice and ensuring appropriate escalation

We value diversity and welcome applications from disabled people and those who have lived experience with whānau, or the disability community.

Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.

What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga

  • Significant experience advising senior leaders and Ministers within a government department or Crown entity
  • Proven ability to provide authoritative advice on complex, ambiguous and politically sensitive issues
  • Extensive experience interpreting and applying complex policy, legislation and organisational frameworks
  • Demonstrated ability to influence and engage a wide range of senior and cross-agency stakeholders
  • Strong strategic thinking with the ability to connect system-level insights to organisational priorities
  • Experience supporting governance processes and preparing high-quality materials that enable effective decision-making
  • Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences
  • Proven ability to lead through complexity, using sound judgement to develop practical, evidence-informed solutions
  • Experience identifying emerging risks, opportunities and system-level trends and translating these into strategic advice
  • A commitment to mentoring others and building organisational capability through guidance and best practice

| He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga

A copy of the position description can be found here. Principal Advisor Transformation position description.

Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $142,874.00 - $177,798.00

Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Tuesday 7 July 2026.

About us | Mō mātou

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) 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 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.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

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 us | Ko te hono mai

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.

Auckland Council

About Auckland Council

Auckland Council serves over 1.5 million Aucklanders providing services, policies and decision-making.

We’re here to serve Auckland and build a more prosperous region, one that gives a voice to our citizens, and makes it a great place to live, visit and invest.

Our talented people support Auckland’s elected representatives by providing specialist advice, implementing decisions and delivering services like rubbish and recycling, resource and building consents, bylaws, events and parks.

Our vision is to create a world-class city where talent wants to live. If you are interested in working for Auckland, visit our career website (careers.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz) or check our 'Jobs' and 'Life' tabs.

Auckland Transport, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Watercare are independent council-controlled organisations that look after specific council assets or activities on our behalf.

Industry
Government & Public Safety
Company Size
5,001-10,000 employees
Headquarters
Auckland, NZ
Year Founded
2010
Website
govt.nz
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