Lead Strategic Advisor | Wellington | Fixed Term

Lead complex, high-impact work across governmentApply your policy and/or legal expertise to real-world outcomesSupport resolution for survivors of abuse in careHelp shape fair and lawful outcomes for historic claims.About our team | Mo te timaAt MSD, we support New Zealanders to be safe, strong and independent.The Historic Claims team works to resolve claims of abuse in state care in a way that is fair, lawful, and mana manaaki.This role sits at the centre of complex legal, policy, and operational work across agencies.About the role | Mo te tungaAs Lead Strategic Advisor, you will:Lead strategic advice to support the resolution of historic claimsWork with MSD Legal on litigation and legal riskTranslate legal advice into practical operational and policy responsesSupport preparation for litigation, including coordinating agency inputProvide advice to senior leaders and Ministers on complex and sensitive issuesWork across agencies (including health, education, and Oranga Tamariki)This is a legal-policy-strategy role, requiring strong judgement and the ability to operate in a highly sensitive environment.This is a fixed term role ending 30 June 2027 and is based in our Wellington office.Why this role matters:You will help ensure decisions are fair, lawful, and consistent with human rights obligationsYou will contribute to improving outcomes for survivors of abuse in careYou will support public trust in government decision-makingTe Tiriti o Waitangi and working at MSDWe are committed to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi in our work. You will apply Treaty principles and support culturally responsive engagement with Maori, whanau, hapu and iwi.What you bring | Ou pumanawatangaLegal expertise:Law degree (LLB or equivalent)3-5 years' experience in a law firm or legal environment in New ZealandFamiliarity with the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in CareStrong understanding of:Privacy Act 2020 and information lawNew Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 and the Human Rights frameworkPublic law and Crown decision-makingApplying legal advice in practice:Experience taking legal advice and translating it into operational or policy settingsAbility to identify and manage legal risk in complex casesUnderstanding of litigation processes and supporting court preparationCommunication and influence:Strong writing skills, including briefings for senior leaders and MinistersProven ability to communicate clearly with senior managers and decision makersAbility to explain complex legal or policy issues in plain languageWorking in a complex environment:Strong relationship management skills across agencies and stakeholdersSound judgement and ability to work with sensitive informationAbility to prioritise and deliver under pressurePosition Description | He Whakaahuatanga TungaA copy of the positio description can be found here. Lead Strategic Advisor position description.Salary | Utu-a-tau: $122,381.00 - $152,296.00Applications close | Ka kati nga tono hei te: Wednesday 5 August 2026.About us | Mo matouThe 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, whanau and communities.As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we are committed to supporting and enabling Maori, whanau, hapu, 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 pehea te tuku tonoBefore 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 recruitmentTo 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 [email protected] 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 maiJoining MSD means being part of a whanau 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr