Commissioning Lead

About our team | Mō te tīma

The Disability Support Services (DSS) Group is responsible for commissioning, funding, and stewarding high-quality services that support disabled people, their families, and whānau.  

We’re building leadership and management capacity across our teams to deliver both change and business-as-usual effectively.  

We work closely with providers, stakeholders, and communities to ensure services are fair, consistent, transparent and sustainable. With a strong focus on performance monitoring, data, and insights, we’re committed to continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making. 

It’s an exciting time to join DSS as we strengthen our systems and expand our capabilities.  

We’re looking for passionate people to help us achieve our goals and make a meaningful impact. 

About the role | Mō te tūnga

As a Commissioning Lead, you will lead the development and implementation of long-term commissioning strategies that align with DSS priorities and outcomes. You will provide expert advice on investment decisions, commissioning approaches, funding models, and service design to ensure supports are effective, sustainable, and deliver value for money. 

You will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure commissioning decisions are informed by evidence, data, research, sector insights, and the needs of disabled people and their whānau. 

You will also play a key role in shaping future service models, identifying opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement, and ensuring commissioned services deliver meaningful outcomes for the people who rely on them. 

This is a fixed term or secondment opportunity ending 30 June 2027 and is based in our Wellington office.  

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the development of long-term commissioning strategies and category plans. 
• Develop programme logics and commissioning approaches aligned to the DSS Commissioning Framework. 
• Provide expert advice and recommendations on investment, funding and commissioning decisions. 
• Lead the performance management of commissioning portfolios, including oversight of expenditure, budgets and impact evaluation. 
• Monitor provider funding arrangements, expenditure trends and acquittals to identify risks and opportunities. 
• Build strong relationships with providers, sector stakeholders and internal partners to support commissioning outcomes. 
• Identify opportunities for innovation, service improvement and value for money across commissioning categories. 

 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

•  A deep understanding of Disability Support Services commissioning, funding, investment and service design.
• Proven Experience working with complex funding models, provider funding arrangements, expenditure monitoring, acquittal processes, and performance management
• Deep understanding of the disability support sector and the challenges, opportunities and complexities of commissioning services for disabled people.
• Strong knowledge of commissioning for outcomes, programme logic development and investment decision-making.
• Proven ability to develop commissioning strategies, service models and investment approaches.
• Experience working with provider performance, acquittal processes, evaluation and assurance activities.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and build credibility with senior leaders and sector partners. 

Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga

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

Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $142,874.00 - $177,798.00

We expect to place this role up to $162,717 however an offer will be made depending on the preferred candidates skills and experience and team relativities. 

Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Sunday 18 October 2026. Please note we will be reviewing and interviewing suitable candidates as they apply. 

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 | Kote 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.