Principal Advisor - Data Delivery

• Fixed Term/Secondment to 30 June 2027, full-time opportunity
• Wellington based only

About us 

The Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT) takes a long-term view of how New Zealand’s towns, cities and regions grow and change. We work across housing, transport, the environment, urban development, infrastructure and investment, and partner closely with local government. 

We provide joined-up policy and investment advice to government, support effective regulation and market settings, and work with others to help deliver affordable housing, connected communities, well-planned infrastructure, and a healthy, sustainable environment.

About the role    

The Principal Advisor Data Delivery provides system‑level thought leadership and trusted advice to enable data‑driven reform across the Planning System. The role focuses on strengthening data systems, standards, governance, and investment to support policy intent, regulatory reform, and service delivery outcomes. 

Operating at a strategic, cross‑system level, the Principal Advisor - Data acts as a senior thought leader and adviser—shaping data priorities, influencing decision‑making, and ensuring data investments translate into practical, high‑value, and sustainable outcomes for users and decision‑makers. 

The role plays a critical part in supporting senior leaders and Ministers with clear, evidence‑based advice on data strategy, reform impacts, risk, and investment trade‑offs, while stewarding the long‑term integrity and usability of Planning System data. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing system‑level leadership across data architecture, standards, investment, governance, quality, and interoperability.  
• Maintaining a holistic view of the Planning System data ecosystem, identifying opportunities to improve data quality, accessibility, reuse, and long‑term sustainability.  
• Promoting coherent, standards‑based approaches to data design, collection, sharing, and use across organisations and initiatives. 
• Acting as a recognised authority and thought leader, influencing practice across teams and partner organisations without direct authority.
• Working alongside product managers and delivery teams to shape delivery approaches, resolve constraints, and manage trade‑offs.
• Providing high‑quality, trusted advice to senior leaders and Ministers on digital strategy, delivery risks, investment trade‑offs, and reform impacts.
• Contributing to ministerial briefings, Cabinet material, business cases, and other senior‑level advice related to digital enablement and service reform.

Skills and experience    

• Extensive senior advisory experience across data strategy, data systems and standards, data governance, or information management in complex environments.  
• Proven ability to influence senior decision‑making on data investment, system reform, and data‑enabled change. 
• Demonstrated ability to balance user needs, delivery constraints, policy intent, and long‑term system outcomes.
• Highly developed influencing and stakeholder engagement skills across strategy, policy, and delivery domains.
• Ability to lead and align multidisciplinary teams through influence rather than formal authority.
• Excellent communication and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to translate complex issues for non‑technical audiences.
• Understanding of the machinery of government and Treaty obligations.

Salary range   

Salary range for this role is $143,891 - $174,927 pa. Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience.   

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 at [email protected]

We are committed to equal opportunities and building a diverse, inclusive workplace. We support our people to work in ways that help them do their best. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. 

We want our recruitment process to be fair and accessible for everyone. If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know or get in touch at [email protected].

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

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

Applications close: Sunday 16th August 2026