Lead Advisor Kaitohu Mātāmua, Te Kāhui Kāhu

Bring strategic advice to a leadership team that thrives on performing under pressure.

Actively engage with and support the General Manager, leadership team and wider organisation of Te Kāhui Kāhu.

Gain exposure to a range of highly visible areas of work across Te Kāhui Kāhu and wider social sector.

Te Kāhui Kāhu is looking for a talented individual to put their skills into practice to provide strategic advice and operational support to the General Manager.

About us Mō mātou

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.

About the role Mō te tūnga

Te Kāhui Kāhu plays a key role in the social sector, providing an accreditation and legislative approval function on behalf of six government agencies. We also provide the administration function for the Core Worker Exemption process as required by the Children’s Act.

This exciting position will see you collaborating directly with the General Manager and wider leadership team, championing work programmes across Te Kāhui Kāhu, as well as having a strong external focus where you will build strong relationships and work to influence cross sector work. The role is highly collaborative, and you will be required to support the General Manager with strategic and tactical advice, risk management and operational support, and collaborate closely with senior leaders across the team and other agencies.

We are looking for a high achiever who has experience at lead or principal advisory level, an established record of relationship management, a working understanding of te ao Māori, high quality written and verbal advice and analysis skills, and a finely tuned risk radar. You will demonstrate experience operationalising statutory delegations and the ability to deliver smart and pragmatic solutions to complex problems. Experience working in an organisation that serves the public is essential.

To succeed in this role, you will need:

Strong experience in providing advice and support to senior leaders

Proven experience of managing complex relationships, both internally and externally, with the ability to establish credibility at all levels

Experience in the initiation, development and implementation of strategies/initiatives that align with organisational needs and long-term outcomes

An understanding of the strategic issues facing the social sector and strong knowledge of machinery of government

Knowledge of social sector legislation, and experience in providing advice on meeting statutory delegations and accountabilities

Proven ability to work collaboratively and responsively

Sound critical thinking skills, high level of environmental and organisation awareness coupled with political savvy

This is a permanent role and is an excellent opportunity for an experienced and highly competent Lead or Principal Advisor interested in collaborating closely with the General Manager, and wider leadership team on a diverse range of issues.

Position Description He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga

Salary range Utu-ā-tau: $120,870.00 - $150,416.00

How to apply Me pēhea te tuku tono

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

Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.

Applications close Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Monday 2 June 2025

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. 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.