Principal Advisor Data and Information

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Shape how MBIE shares and uses data and influence data sharing across New Zealand's public sector
• Lead complex data sharing initiatives with national impact
• Help unlock the value of data across government
• Be a trusted expert at the forefront of government data sharing
• Salary $132417-$160472, Wellington CBD, Permanent, +Wellness Benefits, +KiwiSaver

About the Role - Tēnei tūranga:

Some of the most valuable insights in government sit across organisational boundaries. This role is about helping bring them together.

As Principal Advisor Data & Information (Data Sharing), you'll lead the development of complex data sharing arrangements that enable MBIE and its partners to make better decisions, improve services and deliver stronger outcomes for New Zealanders. You'll work at the intersection of data, governance, privacy and operations, helping navigate complex challenges and turning them into practical, workable solutions. 

Working closely with the Director Data Sharing, senior leaders and key stakeholders across government, you'll influence how data is shared, governed and used. You'll build trusted relationships, provide expert advice, lead significant programmes of work and help grow organisational capability in an area that continues to evolve rapidly. 

This is a role for someone who enjoys operating in complexity, bringing people together and solving problems where there isn't always a clear path forward.

What the work feels like

On any given week you might:

• Lead negotiations on a new data sharing arrangement with a government agency or international partner
• Work with senior leaders to balance privacy, operational and policy considerations
• Navigate complex stakeholder environments, including ministerial offices and external regulators
• Help shape MBIE's approach to data governance and data sharing practice
• Coach colleagues and lift capability across the organisation
• Influence decisions that improve how data is used to support services, insights and outcomes across New Zealand. 

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to sit at the centre of some of MBIE's most important data and information initiatives.

You'll have the chance to influence system-wide thinking, work on nationally significant challenges and help shape how government organisations share and use information to create value for New Zealanders. At the same time, you'll be joining a collaborative team with a strong focus on learning, innovation and continuous improvement. 

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana -

Skills and Experience Required
 

You'll be an experienced advisor who enjoys working in complex environments, influencing senior stakeholders and finding practical solutions to challenging issues.

To be successful in this role, you'll bring:

• Extensive experience and knowledge in developing data sharing arrangements between domestic and international agencies and organisations.
• Extensive experience leading consultation processes with senior leaders, ministerial offices, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner and other key stakeholders.
• Proven ability to quickly establish strong working relationships and build trust and credibility with senior managers, staff and key internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong strategic thinking and the ability to introduce new ways of looking at problems, challenge established thinking and adopt creative approaches.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor complex information to a range of audiences.
• Experience coaching and mentoring colleagues and contributing to capability development across teams and organisations.
• The ability to stay abreast of best practice data sharing principles, legislation and emerging trends.
• A relevant tertiary qualification, or equivalent relevant experience.
• You must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this position.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of Immigration New Zealand and wider MBIE functions, systems and processes.

About MBIE - Ētahi kōrero mō 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 ahunga roa o ngā iwi, o ngāi Māori, me ētahi atu rōpū Māori ki te Karauna, ka tutuki 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 kaupapa kua 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.

How to Apply - Me pēhea te tono:

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.

Email Jackie Johnson at jackie.johnson@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/20359 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on 11th November 2026 at 11.59pm