Principal Advisor - Data and Information | Flexible

Job Description

This role is a fixed term position in response to increased demand within our high priority work programmes. We are surging in people and resources in response to these priorities.

Mō te tūranga mahi | About the role   

We're looking for a Principal Advisor – Data and Information to provide senior thought leadership and technical stewardship across the high‑priority Planning System Transformation programme. This is a pivotal role working closely with our Chief Data and Information Officer (CDIO) to help shape and land advice that strengthens data and information as enduring public assets, supports system transformation, and meets the Crown's stewardship and Te Tiriti obligations. This is a fixed term role to 11 December 2026.

This is a senior, influential advisory role for an experienced data and information leader who can operate confidently at the intersection of strategy, governance, evidence, and delivery. As a recognised expert in your field, you will lead high‑quality, future‑focused advice, provide technical assurance, and help lift capability and practice across the Ministry and wider system. You will be trusted to navigate ambiguity, manage risk, and influence senior leaders across government, local authorities, iwi/Māori, and sector partners.

You'll bring strong judgement, credibility and the ability to translate complex evidence into clear, decision‑ready advice for senior leaders and, when required, Ministers and key stakeholders. You will support capability uplift and quality practice across the Ministry.

What you'll do

• Provide expert, future‑focused advice and technical assurance across data and information initiatives, partnering with the CDIO to advance federated data governance, sector‑wide data standards, and multi‑agency information architecture.

• Help ensure alignment with relevant government directives and Government Chief Digital Officer (GCDO) requirements.

• Support strong partnership approaches across agencies, local government and iwi/Māori, with knowledge of Māori data governance.

• Coach and lift capability across teams, contributing to a strong culture of quality advice and continuous improvement. 

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

You will bring:  

• Significant experience delivering or advising on large‑scale, complex initiatives and producing high‑quality written advice for senior decision‑makers. 

• Deep expertise across data governance, standards, stewardship, information management/architecture, and evidence‑based advice. 

• Strong stakeholder leadership—able to build trust, influence across competing priorities, and operate confidently in ambiguity. 

• Demonstrated ability to bring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Ao Māori into data and evidence practice.

• Our values include being curious, innovative, action‑oriented, supportive of others, leading, and courageous.

Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau | Salary range  

Salary range for this role is $142,185 to $172,853 pa.  Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience.  

Ngā hua ka puta i te mahi ki MfE | Benefits of working at MfE  

• a flexible working approach to embrace a healthy work-life blend 
• agile ways of working, allowing you variety and challenges across the organisation as we work as ‘One MfE' 
• active employee networks including Māori Rōpū, Asian Network, Neurodivergent and Disability Networks, Women's Network, Tagata Moana (Pacific Peoples' Network), and Rainbow Network 
• opportunities for development and education.           

Check out other benefits of joining us and hear what our people say about Working at MfE | Ministry for the Environment.  

Tono ināianei | Apply now  

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and cover letter.  Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.     

If you require further information about this position please contact Sally Morison via email sally.morison@mfe.govt.nz.  The position description is available via our careers centre www.mfe.govt.nz/jobs.  

The location for this role is flexible which means you can work anywhere in New Zealand and there is an option to work from home.  As a flexible friendly employer, we are happy to discuss solutions that may work for you and the business.  We value and care about enabling our people to work in a way that means they can work at their best.   

We are committed to providing equal opportunities and actively strive to be a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture.  We actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.  We are proud to be a Rainbow Tick and Gender Tick certified organisation and are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.   

We want to ensure any accessibility needs you may have are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all.  Therefore, please let us know if there are any adjustments or support we can offer to make the recruitment process more accessible to you.  Please contact us at vacancy@mfe.govt.nz if you would like to discuss any accessibility needs you may have.  

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.  

Note: for internal permanent kaimahi who are applying for a secondment, you must speak with your Manager before submitting your application.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:   Sunday 8th March 2026 @ 5pm