Technology Policy and Governance Lead
Date: 14 Oct 2025
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
- Help shape the future of technology at MSD
- Newly created role with room to make it your own.
- Auckland or Wellington based role
Join a team that values practical solutions over process, supports flexible working, and is committed to meaningful impact.
About our team | Mō te tīma:
Every week, around 1.4 million New Zealanders count on MSD for income support and services to connect with work, housing and better lives for their families.
Information Systems & Technology (IST) provides the technologies, innovation and expertise that enable MSD staff and partners to deliver these essential services, today and into the future.
We’re driving a once in a lifetime transformation of services for New Zealanders. IST is a key enabler of this change bringing together strategic thinkers, technology specialists and delivery leaders to design solutions and deliver change while keeping vital services running reliably every day.
About the role | Mō te tūnga:
As the Technology Policy and Governance Lead, you’ll help build the structures that guide how MSD makes technology decisions.
You’ll develop clear policy, good governance, and practical guidance that helps people do their jobs.
This role can be based in Auckland or Wellington.
Key responsibilities include:
- Develop and embed technology policy and governance frameworks.
- Work with senior leaders to support clear, confident decision-making.
- Strengthen alignment between investment, compliance, and strategy.
- Help shape and establish a governance function from the ground up.
We’re committed to creating a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Diverse perspectives strengthen our mahi, and we value the unique contributions everyone brings to the team.
Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:
You’ll know how to reduce red tape, provide people with guardrails and good advice. We’re looking for someone who:
- Has significant experience (ideally 7–10 years) in technology related roles, including 3–5 years working in governance, technology policy, or strategy.
- Knows how to design and implement governance frameworks, not just follow them.
- Has strong communication skills and experience communicating comfortably with senior leaders and technical teams.
- Brings structure but keeps it practical.
- Has proven influencing skills and can influence effectively and hold their own in strategic discussions.
- Public sector or regulated industry experience is a bonus, not a deal breaker.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
A copy of the position description can be found here. Technology Policy and Governance Lead position description.
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $163,784.00 - $203,820.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Tuesday 28 October 2025.
About us | Mō mātou:
The Ministry of Social Development 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 and advice to government and assistance, including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.
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:
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, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description.
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 everyone 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.
