Ministry of Social Development
Lead and grow a high-performing Programme Management Office
Drive enterprise-level programme governance, planning and reporting
Fixed-term opportunity through to 30 June 2027, based in Wellington
Lead a critical programme function, influence strategic outcomes, and help deliver meaningful change through a significant transformation programme.About our team | Mō te tīma
The Disability Support Services Group (DSS) has been established to ensure fairer access to disability support services in New Zealand, ensuring those with the greatest needs receive quality support services.
The Transformation team is in place to continue work to strengthen DSS services for the future following the implementation of the independent review recommendations.
The work ahead aims 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 consistent, fair and affordable.
About the role | Mō te tūnga
We’re looking for an experienced Programme Management Office (PMO) Lead to lead the PMO function supporting a major transformation programme.
You’ll play a critical role in ensuring consistent programme management practices, robust governance, effective risk management, and integrated planning across multiple workstreams.
This is a fixed-term opportunity through to 30 June 2027, based in Wellington
Key responsibilities include:
Manage the Programme Management Office and provide oversight of programme planning, reporting, governance and assurance activities
Maintain an integrated programme plan, ensuring alignment across workstreams and delivery priorities
Oversee and drive newly developed programme reporting frameworks, providing quality insights to governance groups, senior leaders and external stakeholders
Oversee programme-wide risk, issue, assurance and change control processes to support successful delivery outcomes
Manage resource forecasting, and support the Programme Director with workforce planning, recruitment and onboarding activities across the programme
Build programme management capability and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement
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. What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga
Significant experience leading a Programme Management Office (PMO) or large-scale transformation programme environment
Proven success delivering programme management, governance, reporting and assurance functions within complex organisations
Strong experience in risk management, issue management, quality assurance and programme controls
Advanced strategic planning, project management and performance monitoring expertise
Demonstrated ability to engage, influence and negotiate with a wide range of senior stakeholders
Exceptional relationship management skills and political acumen within complex operating environments
Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making capability
Ability to navigate ambiguity, proactively remove barriers and drive successful delivery outcomes
A relevant programme or project management certification such as MSP, PMP or PRINCE2 is highly desirable
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
A copy of the position description can be found here. PMO Lead position description.Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $142,874.00 – $177,798.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Tuesday 4 July 2026.
About us | Mō mātou
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.
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
Before 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 recruitment
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. 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 jobs@msd.govt.nz
Internal 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 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.
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