Commissioning Advisors - Manager, Principal, Senior Advisor

Drive innovation and best practice in social investment and commissioning

Contribute to significant work in a growing and impactful central agency

Work from a brand-new, purpose-built space in the heart of Wellington

Join the Social Investment Agency at a pivotal moment. We're building a cutting-edge commissioning team to lead the way in data-driven, evidence-based social investment.

This is your chance to help shape a new function from the ground up. You’ll work alongside experts in data, research, and service design to turn insight into impact across Aotearoa New Zealand’s social sector.

We’re currently recruiting Managers, Principals and Senior Advisors.

Kōrero mō te tūranga About the roles

We’ve got an ambitious and fast-moving work programme ahead so you’ll need to bring your agility, drive, and team spirit. The Commissioning team will focus on:

Shaping outcome-focused agreements with social sector organisations, iwi and Māori organisations, and a range of other partners

Leading high-impact, cross-agency programme delivery that gets real results

Embedding data and evidence at the heart of decision-making

Setting the bar for social investment standards and driving improvements in how Government works with the social sector

He kōrero mōu About you

We know it’s rare for one person to have every skill we’re after but if you bring strength in several of these areas and have the experience to back it up, we want to hear from you!

Strategic Commissioning

We’re after sharp thinkers and doers who can build strong relationships, cut through complexity, and get things done. Key strengths we’re looking for include:

Building trusted partnerships across government, communities, and with iwi and Māori

Turning complex data and ideas into clear, compelling insights

Leading effective workshops, consultations, and service design processes

Experience in commissioning: needs analysis, procurement, contracts, and performance

Strong leadership, project delivery, and change management skills

Translating big priorities into actionable plans with measurable outcomes

Solid policy, financial, and analytical capability

Operational Commissioning

We’re looking for practical, solutions-focused people who can build smart systems that work for people and keep things moving. Key skills include:

Designing streamlined commissioning systems and processes that work

Creating tools, training, and guidance to support quality delivery

Managing procurement, contracts, and reporting with a focus on outcomes

Using data and evidence to drive service improvement

Running effective engagement and events that bring people together

Leading operational teams within complex policy and regulatory settings

Delivering projects under pressure, with strong planning and resource management

Confidently leading change and continuous improvement

Utu ā-tau Salary

The salary range for each role will be commensurate with relevant capability and experience as below with offers generally made at the midpoint:

Commissioning Manager: Min $167,790 - Midpoint $197,400 - Max $236,880

Commissioning Principal: Min $145,683 - Midpoint $171,392 - Max $205,670

Commissioning Senior Advisor: Min $104,885 - Midpoint $123,394 - Max $148,073

Ko wai mātou About us

Our mission is to transform the system by using data and evidence to drive earlier, more effective investments that improve the lives of New Zealanders. We focus on making a meaningful impact, collaborating with agencies and stakeholders to address policy gaps and lead change.

As a central government agency, our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are curious, agile, and committed to the wellbeing of others.

We are proud to foster a safe, inclusive, and diverse workplace and support flexible working arrangements. We encourage applications from everyone, regardless of gender identity, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or religion. If you have specific needs or access requirements, we’re here to support you through the recruitment process.

Our values

Our success depends on not just what we do, but how we do it. We encourage you to carefully consider our values—they are central to everything we aim to achieve. For more information, please refer to our website.

Tono mai How to Apply

Whether your strengths lie in strategy, operations, or both, you’ll be part of a collaborative team that’s shaping the future of commissioning in Aotearoa. If you’re motivated by impact, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and bring a mix of big-picture thinking and practical delivery—let’s talk.

To apply for this role please click the ‘Apply Now’ button and follow the online process. To view a copy of the position description please click here.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Monday 12 May 2025; however, we will review applications as they come in and may invite people to interview before the close date. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if an ideal person is found before the close date.

If you have any questions, please email .

We look forward to receiving your application.