Workstream Lead - Policy

• 1 Year fixed term or secondment opportunity 
• Important leadership role delivering the Disability Support Services Taskforce work programme
• Work in an organisation driving better outcomes for disabled people

Do you want to be part of a team that is leading the transformation of the disability support system for disabled people, whānau and communities? 
 

About us
 

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.

Mō te tīma / About our team

The Disability Support Services Group (DSS) is being established to ensure fairer access to disability support services in New Zealand, ensuring those with the greatest needs receive quality support services. 

The DSS Review Taskforce has been established to implement the recommendations of the Independent Review in DSS to:

• provide disabled people with certain and consistent access to DSS, no matter what their circumstances or where they live in New Zealand
• prioritise funding for disabled people with the highest needs, and those who would benefit most from early intervention support,
• ensure that Enabling Good Lives (EGL) principles are put into practice
• ensure that the long-term sustainability of DSS is strengthened to provide disabled people and carers with services that are both fair and affordable.

Te āhua o te tūranga / About the role:

We are looking for an experienced Policy professional to provide strategic leadership, expert advice, and professional support for the DSS Review Programme. 

This is a unique opportunity to lead a high-performing team while playing a key role in driving improvements in disability support services across New Zealand.

As the Workstream Lead, you will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive Policy work programme to ensure the successful delivery of the DSS Review Programme. 

You will provide strategic advice to the Programme Director and senior management. 

Your role will involve leading programme planning, delivery, and reporting, while ensuring the programme aligns with the Ministry’s broader goals and priorities.

This is a 12-month fixed term role. 

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Provide senior leadership in key areas, including specialist policy advice to Ministers and senior management, and influencing decisions on disability supports within the Public Service.
• Lead improvements and ensure services, supports, and engagement on policy direction meet internal and external stakeholder needs.
• Inspire and motivate a high-performing team, encouraging innovation and creative solutions.
• Foster strong relationships within the organisation, applying effective change management and persuasive approaches.
• Contribute to strategic management discussions and support the resolution of issues.
• Lead, coach and develop a small team to deliver on the programmes policy strategy and support the Ministry's broader strategic direction.

We value diversity and welcome applications from disabled people and those who have lived experience with whānau, or the disability community. Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you. 
 

Nōu te rourou | What you bring:

• Proven leadership experience at a Director or GM level leading large, complex programmes of work and successfully managing teams in a fast-paced and demanding environment.
• Social Policy and Disability Sector expertise and a strong understanding of disability support service delivery and policy issues.
• Demonstrated experience in programme establishment, planning, and delivery management, including working in multi-vendor environments.
• Ability to provide expert advice and insights, informed by a deep understanding of the public sector environment and investment planning lifecycles.
• Experience managing relationships with multiple stakeholders, navigating complex environments, and influencing decision-making at all levels.
• Experience managing organisational change and leading teams through change processes.
   

Position Description

A copy of the position can be found here. Workstream Lead position description.

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 [email protected]

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:  23 March 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.