Senior Data and Information Governance Advisor
Date: 10 Sept 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
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Wellington based
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24th Months Fixed term/Secondment opportunity
This is a great opportunity to use your governance expertise to influence meaningful work across MSD. If this sounds like the next step in your career, we encourage you to apply.
About our team | Mō te tīma
MSD – services for the future is a multi-year programme to transform how we operate so we can deliver for New Zealanders and focus our resources and investment on the people who need it. The programme will make significant changes to our underlying systems, processes, and introduce redesigned services that put people first.
The Information, Data, and Analytics team is leading an ambitious work programme to uplift our data and information capabilities to support the Transformation initiatives, while also establishing Enterprise level standards for BAU. MSD operates within a highly complex data environment, and our focus is on creating trusted foundations that allow data to be managed deliberately and consistently over time. This includes developing the architectural standards, strengthening stewardship and governance, embedding a standardised data quality framework, and establishing master data management practices.
About the role | Mō te tūnga
As a Senior Data and Information Governance Advisor, you will play a key role in strengthening how MSD manages and uses data and information. You will provide expert advice, lead pieces of work, and help develop practical governance frameworks, standards, and processes that support the responsible use of data and information across the Ministry.
You will work closely with colleagues from across MSD to improve data and information governance capability, support assurance activities, and help ensure our information is managed in a way that is secure, trusted, and fit for purpose. This is an opportunity to influence meaningful change, build strong relationships, and contribute to better outcomes for New Zealanders through quality information management.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga
To be successful in this role, you will bring experience in data and information governance, along with a strong understanding of risk, assurance, and information management practices. You will be confident translating technical concepts into clear, practical advice and building effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
You will also bring:
- A relevant tertiary qualification and experience in data and information governance and data management.
- Strong knowledge of data and information governance principles, frameworks, policies, standards, and best practices.
- Experience supporting data governance initiatives, including data stewardship, metadata management, data quality improvement, and compliance activities.
- Experience in risk, assurance, reporting, and governance activities.
- An understanding of legislation and obligations relating to data and information management, privacy, and public records.
- Experience developing practical guidance, training materials, and business processes to support the implementation of data and information governance practices
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly.
- Experience working with data management tools such as Informatica or similar platforms.
- Excellent planning, organisation, analytical and problem-solving skills, with a continuous improvement mindset.
- A collaborative approach and a commitment to working across teams to achieve shared goals.
- An understanding of the public sector environment and machinery of government would be an advantage.
If you are passionate about good data and information practices and want to help shape how MSD manages and uses information, we would love to hear from you. Apply now and join a team making a real difference for New Zealanders.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $119,586.00 - $145,235.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Wednesday 23rd September, 2026.
About us | Mō mātou
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.
We provide social policy advice to government, and assistance including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.
As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
Before you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment
To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.
Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process. Please highlight how your skills and experience relate to the key responsibilities listed in the position description and job advertisement.
All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at jobs@msd.govt.nz
Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.
Joining us | Ko te hono mai
Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents.
We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. You can find out more about our values here.
If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.
