Principal Advisor - Digital

• 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 Digital provides senior thought leadership and technical advice across a once‑in‑a‑generation system transformation, NZ's new Planning System. This is a pivotal role working closely with the Chief Digital Officer (CDO) to shape, test and land advice that enables modern, integrated and user‑centred digital platforms across a complex, multi‑agency environment. You see technology as a key enabler and will be a strong advocate for the end user, the people who will engage and use this new system. This is a fixed term position to 30 June 2027.

You will operate as a trusted advisor, helping ensure digital initiatives are coherent, scalable, secure and aligned with government direction, while supporting delivery that is practical, inclusive and capable of adoption at scale.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing future‑focused, evidence‑based digital advice to senior leaders, supporting the CDO to advance system‑level digital strategy and delivery.
• Contributing to the design and assurance of national digital platforms and services, ensuring alignment with enterprise architecture, all‑of‑government standards and GCDO expectations.
• Translating complex technical concepts into clear, decision‑ready advice for senior decision‑makers.
• Supporting effective engagement across central and local government, iwi/Māori, technology partners and the wider sector to enable coordinated digital outcomes.
• Coaching and uplifting digital capability and quality practice across teams and work programmes, including through peer review and assurance networks.

Skills and experience    

• Significant experience delivering or advising on large‑scale, complex digital initiatives, ideally across multi‑agency or system‑wide environments.
• A human centred focus with deep expertise in digital platforms, user and service design, enterprise architecture, agile delivery and/or digital governance.
• Proven ability to produce high‑quality written advice and influence senior leaders in complex and ambiguous contexts.
• Strong relationship‑building skills, with the credibility to engage confidently with technical specialists, policy leaders and executives.
• Demonstrated capability to embed Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Ao Māori perspectives into digital design and delivery.

• Agility, sound judgement and the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining quality and momentum.

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