Principal Sustainability Advisor, Wellington

Principal Sustainability Advisor – Wellington, New Zealand Wellington - Wairarapa, Wellington, NZ About the role | Mō te tūnga As Principal Sustainability Advisor, you will provide expert leadership and strategic advice to help MSD deliver on its environmental commitments and emissions reduction goals. Working across the organisation, you will influence decisions at the highest levels, champion best practice, and drive initiatives that support meaningful environmental outcomes. You will be a trusted adviser, bringing leading industry knowledge, innovative thinking and practical solutions to complex carbon reduction challenges. Your expertise will help shape the future direction of MSD's sustainability programme and ensure the Ministry continues to deliver against its sustainability commitments. In addition, you will play a key role in growing organisational capability by providing leadership, coaching and mentoring across the function. Responsibilities An exciting, innovative programme of work that will make a long term difference Lead strategic sustainability and emissions reduction initiatives Be part of MSDs sustainability and emission reduction journey Permanent opportunity based in Wellington About you Mōu We're looking for an experienced sustainability professional who brings both strategic vision and practical delivery expertise. You will have: Recognised expertise and credibility in sustainability, carbon management, or environmental leadership. Proven success in influencing senior leaders and providing trusted strategic advice. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop innovative and practical solutions. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of audiences. Experience building strong partnerships and working collaboratively across complex organisations. A passion for driving positive environmental outcomes and creating lasting organisational change. Position Description A copy of the position description can be found here. Salary Utu-ā-tau : $142,874.00 - $177,798.00 Applications close Ka kati ngā tono hei te : 11 : 59pm, Sunday 16 August 2026 About us 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. 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. Carbon Neutral Government Programme (CNGP) is a major government initiative to combat climate change with the aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. #J-18808-Ljbffr