Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
Date: 13 October 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
- Play a key role supporting the delivery of essential social service procurement and contracts across Aotearoa
- Bring your senior administration expertise to a collaborative team
- Permanent Wellington-based opportunity with variety, responsibility, and autonomy
If you're an experienced administrator who takes pride in producing high-quality work and looking to broaden your experience we'd love to hear from you.
About our team | Mō te tīma
The Planning, Procurement and Contracting National Office team plays a critical role in enabling the effective delivery of social services across New Zealand.
The team leads the development and maintenance of procurement and contract management standards, policies, and practices, while overseeing the accurate drafting, review, processing, and administration of new and amended social service contracts.
Operating in a fast-paced and complex environment, the team works closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure high-quality contract outcomes that support services for New Zealanders.
About the role | Mō te tūnga
As a Senior Contract Development Officer, you will provide expertise and support in the development, review, and administration of social service contracts and funding agreements.
Working within the Planning, Procurement, and Contracting team, you'll be responsible for preparing, reviewing, and maintaining accurate contractual documentation, ensuring agreements are compliant, fit for purpose, and delivered to a high standard. You'll work closely with internal stakeholders to translate funding arrangements and business requirements into clear and accurate contract documentation.
This is a role for someone who enjoys working with detail, managing competing priorities, and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
This is a permanent opportunity and is based in our Wellington Office.
Key responsibilities include:
Draft, review, and process contracts, variations, renewals, and extensions Interpret funding instructions and business requirements to prepare accurate contract documentation Complete funding calculations and verify information for accuracy and compliance Maintain contract records, databases, and supporting documentation Provide quality assurance and peer review support for contract development activities Support reporting, audits, continuous improvement initiatives, and stakeholder enquiries
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
- Proven experience in an administration, contract administration, or coordination role within a complex organisation
- Proven ability to manage high volumes of detailed documentation with exceptional accuracy
- Strong written communication skills and the ability to prepare clear, professional documentation
- Confidence working with numbers and interpreting information accurately
- Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Word, Excel, and Outlook
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise competing demands and deadlines
- Sound judgement, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and discretion
- Experience working with contracts, funding agreements, procurement documentation, or contract management systems would be advantageous but is not essential
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
A copy of the position description can be found here. Senior Contract Development Officer position description.
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $63,004.00- $73,903.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Monday 26 October 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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