Risk Specialist - National Office - Wellington

Fixed term/Secondment through to 30 November 2026

Support risk strategy across multiple service units

Advise leaders/managers across diverse business groups

Drive best-practice risk management across the Ministry

Combine strategic influence with hands-on delivery

About our team Mō te tīma:

The Workplace Integrity group (including the Risk Services Team) has a role to play in supporting staff to carry out consistent business risk assessments across all levels by providing advice, support and guidance on applying the MSD business risk management framework. Along with this, the group is ensuring integrity is built in by design across our systems and processes.

About the role Mō te tūnga:

As a Risk Specialist, you’ll play a key role in supporting and ensuring consistent application of the MSD’s risk management framework and approach across MSD. You'll provide expert advice and technical support to managers and business groups, ensuring risk is considered in strategic planning, operations, programmes, and projects.

You will do this by:

Promoting and applying a robust process that is consist with standards, tools, and templates aligned to best practice

Championing a proactive, risk-aware culture throughout the Ministry

Influencing the business to ensure the MSD ‘Five Lines Model; (Lines of Defence) is understood and effectively embedded throughout the organisation

Supporting Line 2 functions and risk owners across MSD to build in integrity by design as part of their response to identified risk(s)

What you bring Ōu pūmanawatanga:

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:

Proven analytical and strategic thinking abilities – you can identify risks, assess relevant controls, and offer clear, practical solutions

Skills in linking risks to control objectives and aligning controls to risk appetite/culture

Strong relationship and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence across all levels, including senior leadership

Excellent communication and facilitation skills – you're confident leading discussions and promoting ideas

Experience promoting and embedding risk management practices within large organisations

Skills in educating, training, and supporting staff in risk management frameworks and processes

Knowledge of government systems and an understanding of public sector challenges and priorities

Position Description He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:

Salary Utu-ā-tau: $118,288.00 - $143,647.00

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

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 6th November 2025

Joining us

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.