Programme Lead, AI | 12-18 Month Fixed term | Wellington
Date: 29 Oct 2025
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
- Champion responsible AI adoption across Whaikaha
- Lead end-to-end strategic programme design and delivery
- Build trust and capability in emerging technologies
We are seeking an innovative Programme Lead to drive the integration of AI across Whaikaha, empowering our people and enhancing business effectiveness.
Mō te tūnga | About the role:
As Programme Lead, Artificial Intelligence (AI) you’ll lead the design, implementation, and change management of our AI journey at Whaikaha.
This role focuses on strategic delivery through embedding AI governance and piloting tools like Copilot to measure and report on impact.
You’ll ensure our people are upskilled, confident, and supported to use AI tools responsibly and effectively.
This is a 12 to 18 month fixed term role based in Wellington.
Key Responsibilities:
- Scope and deliver AI projects and programmes aligned with our Whaikaha AI Strategy
- Facilitate strategic planning workshops with senior leaders
- Lead change initiatives to support user-centric adoption
- Embed the Responsible AI Framework and governance processes
- Deliver training, resources, and toolkits to uplift capability
- Develop business cases and track performance metrics
- Ensure AI initiatives transition smoothly into business-as-usual
Mōu | About you:
- Proven experience leading complex AI or digital transformation work programmes
- Successful experience influencing and delivering both strategic and organisational outcomes
- Deep understanding of responsible AI principles and governance
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- Experience in change management and capability building
- Ability to embed accessibility and equity in programme design
- Confidence in risk management and navigating resistance
- Collaborative leadership style and ability to influence across teams
- Familiarity with public sector environments and cross-agency partnerships
To undertake this role successfully you will either be a disabled person, or you will be able to establish credibility and trust with the disability community.
He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga | Position Description:
The job description can be found here: Programme Lead, AI position description
Utu-ā-tau | Salary: $117,295 - $175,942
Mō mātou | About us:
At Whaikaha, we want an Aotearoa New Zealand where Deaf and disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori are thriving.
As a Ministry we are dedicated to this goal, working with government, businesses, and communities to drive real change.
We do this by investing in disability communities, providing strategic and policy advice across government, monitoring how well services are working, and identifying new, exciting opportunities to make a difference.
We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive environment.
Ka kati ngā tono hei te | Applications close: Wednesday 12 November 2025.
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply:
Click the 'Apply' button to complete the online form, or let’s kōrero about what you need to feel supported in your application. For example, you may prefer to use video instead of a traditional CV and cover letter, or you might want whānau or a friend to tell us about you.
Contact us about the best way for you to apply by emailing: PeopleandCulture@whaikaha.govt.nz.
If you work for Whaikaha please apply through the myHR portal so that your employee profile is visible as an internal candidate.
