Lead Strategic Advisor, Historic Claims

**About MSD**

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, 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.

**Lead Strategic Advisor**
- Fixed Term or Secondment to June 2026
- Wellington CBD based

**About Historic Claims**

Historic Claims, on behalf of the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) provides an Alternative Disputes Resolution Service (ADRS) to assist claimants who have raised allegations or concerns of abuse or neglect while in State care.

Historic Claims works with claimants to help them understand their past experience in care. We acknowledge and recognise the harm claimants have experienced and take steps to put this right.

A key focus for Historic Claims is to ensure we deliver the best possible outcomes for claimants, and that they encounter mana manaaki (a positive experience every time) whenever they come into contact with us.

**About the role**

We're seeking a Lead Strategic Advisor who thrives on turning complex concerns into actionable insights that make a real difference to the lives of our Claimants. This role is crucial for enhancing our understanding of legally complex and technical Historic Claims, informing strategic decisions that impact the development of key policy decisions and outcomes that reduce barriers to redress for our clients.

You'll work closely with all teams in our Historic Claims unit and our legal partners providing strategic advice that drives our collective mission.

This role will be heavily focused on understanding complex claims or groups of claims, sharing your findings and advice with Management and the Leadership Team as well as external stakeholders in the private sector and government. It demands a blend of analytical prowess and creative thinking, ensuring potential risk is identified and managed and that all outcomes are communicated widely, fully understood, and able to be applied seamlessly by the areas/teams they affect.

**About you**

You'll be an experienced advisor who can commit to being an operational lead, assisting us to effectively implement, maintain and continue the Historic Claims strategy and work programme.
- An operational knowledge and understanding of the work Historic Claims does
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, capable of working to tight deadlines
- Strong communication skills with the ability to influence
- Excellent presentation skills, able to simplify delivery to suit a variety of audiences
- Experience leading projects and providing technical/legal knowledge and leadership
- A working knowledge of the public sector environment
- A strong understanding of policy and practice issues relevant to MSD's business
- A tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g. Law) or equivalent operational experience

If you're excited about taking a pivotal role in supporting the Historic Claims unit then we'd love to hear from you.

Position Description**Salary range**: $120,870.00 - $150,416.00

**How to apply**

**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.

**Closing date**: Sunday, 08 December 2024

**Joining us**

Joining 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. We are a Treaty partner committed to strengthening relationships with Maori, Hapu, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
- 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._