Principal Advisor
Wellington, NZ, 6011
Discover a career with purpose at MBIE
- Wellington CBD based
- fixed term/secondment to 30th of June 2026, Full-Time $132k – $160k Wellness benefits and KiwiSaver
- Drive strategic data governance and ethics across MBIE and the wider public sector!
Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:
You’ll work closely with the Head of Data Governance and Ethics to deliver MBIE’s obligations across Enterprise Data Governance, Algorithm Use, and Information Gathering, and to build data governance into our new Cloud Data Platform. You’ll also help to shape MBIE’s readiness for AI, automation, and modernising our cross-government data supply,
Drive strategic data governance and ethics across MBIE and the wider public sector!
MBIE is seeking a highly experienced and hands on Principal Advisor to join our Data Governance and Ethics team. This role is central to MBIE’s enterprise data governance and ethics capability, providing intellectual leadership, assurance, and expert advice across a range of high-impact initiatives.
You’ll work closely with the Head of Data Governance and Ethics to deliver MBIE’s obligations across Enterprise Data Governance, Algorithm Use, and Information Gathering, and to build data governance into our new Cloud Data Platform. You’ll also help to shape MBIE’s readiness for AI, automation, and modernising our cross-government data supply,
Key responsibilities
- Support implementation and assurance activities under MBIE’s enterprise data governance and ethics framework
- Contribute to the development of operating processes for MBIE’s Cloud Data Platform, with a focus on embedding governance into the new Data Asset Register
- Act as a trusted advisor on algorithm governance, ethical data use, and compliance with information gathering protocols
- Collaborate across MBIE to advance data and ethics readiness for AI and automation
- Engage with internal and external stakeholders to enable MBIE’s transformation programmes and support all-of-government data supply initiatives
- Promote awareness and build capability by contributing to education resources and coordinating training for Data Stewards across MBIE
- Deliver high-quality, customer-focused advisory services to business units across the organisation
Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana - Skills and Experience Required
What we’re looking for
- Extensive experience working within large, complex government agencies is an advantage
- Deep expertise in data governance, stewardship, and ethics across multi-faceted data ecosystems and operations
- Proven experience supporting or advising data ethics committees, assessments, and frameworks
- Strong understanding of the New Zealand government data system, including public sector stewardship obligations, integrated data supply, mandatory standards, and information sharing frameworks
- Solid working knowledge of relevant NZ legislation and regulatory frameworks, including the Privacy Act, and Data and Statistics Act
- Experience applying governance to enable analytics, data science, and algorithmic transparency
- Expertise in algorithm controls, including monitoring, assurance, and ethical risk management
- Demonstrated experience developing and implementing data asset registers or similar governance tools
- Ability to deliver high-quality, customer-focused advisory services to business units in large organisations
- Experience contributing to training, education, and capability uplift across diverse stakeholder groups
Ētahi kōrero mō MBIE - About MBIE:
MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders.
We do this by working with others to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities and by working to ensure quality housing is more affordable.
People are at the heart of our mahi, our way of working is guided by our values which shape our behaviours.
- Mahi Tahi – Better Together
- Māia – Bold and brave
- Pae Kahurangi – Build our Future
- Pono Me Te Tika – Own It
Our aspirations are echoed in our Māori identity – Hīkina Whakatutuki – which broadly means ‘lifting to make successful'.
MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Māori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Māori, other Māori groups/organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Māori and for wider Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to continuing to partner with iwi in order to find new sustainable solutions to address long standing systemic and cross-cutting issues facing Māori and wider Aotearoa New Zealand and we are also committed to identifying opportunities for iwi to lead and creating an enabling environment for iwi to leverage these opportunities.
E mōhio ana a Hīkina Whakatutuki i puea ake te kōtuinga I waenganui i a ngāi Māori me te Karauna i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ā, kei te whai ia ki te whakaū ake i Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Mā te whai kiko o ngā kōtuinga ahungaroa o ngāi wi, o ngāi Māori, me ētahi atu rōpū Māori ki te Karauna, katutuki tēnei. He āhuatanga nui tēnei e āhei ai ngā mahi whanaketanga ā-ohanga, ā-pāpori hoki ki a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui. E whai tonu ana mātou ki te kōtui atu ki ngā iwi mō te rapu huarahi hou ki te whakaara i ngā kaupapakua roa nei e tāmi ana i a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui, ā, e whai ana hoki ki te tautohu i ngā āheinga kōkiritanga mā ngā iwi, me te tautoko i ngā iwi kia whai mana ake ai ēnei āheinga.
Me pēhea te tono - How to Apply:
Click here to view a position description.
When you are ready to apply please send a CV and cover letter telling us why you're the perfect fit for this role.
All applications must be submitted via our online process.
We can't wait to hear from you!
Email Matt Guy at matt.guy@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/18023 if you have any further questions.
Applications close on Sunday the 17h of August 2025