Principal Advisor (data & analytics transformation)

Ministry of Social Development; Wellington; On-site; NZD 143,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Social Development in Wellington seeks a Principal Advisor to lead data and analytics transformation within the Data & Analytics workstream. You will shape how data is governed, managed, and used to improve services for New Zealanders, working with senior leaders and across MSD to drive enterprise-wide capabilities.

You’ll provide strategic leadership, translate complex data concepts into actionable outcomes, and support organisational change that underpins the transformation

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading or advising in a data or analytics environment.
• Experience within large, complex government organisations undergoing significant change.
• Strong understanding of data management, governance, quality, and master data management.
• Proven ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels, including senior leaders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with experience preparing executive-level documents.
• Ability to translate complex concepts into practical outcomes and drive organisational change.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic advice and thought leadership on enterprise data and analytics initiatives.
• Support delivery of complex work affecting wider organisational change.
• Partner with senior leaders and delivery teams to shape key decisions.
• Define and embed enterprise data stewardship, quality, and master data management approaches.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for senior governance groups.
• Help build a high-performing, collaborative team culture.

Skills

Data analytics leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Enterprise data governance

Strategic advisory

Job description

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Principal Advisor (data & analytics transformation)

Help shape the future of how data works for New Zealanders

• Wellington based
• 12 month fixed term/secondment opportunity

About the role | Mō te tūnga

We're looking for an experienced Principal Advisor to join Data & AnalyticsworkstreamtohelpdeliverMSD – services for the future transformation.

This is a unique opportunity to shape how data is managed, governed, and used across MSD. Working at the intersection of business transformation, data, technology, and organisational change, you'll help establish the foundations that enable better decision-making, improved services, and stronger outcomes for New Zealanders.

As a trusted advisor, you'll work closely with the General Manager, othersenior leaders, programme teams, Service Delivery, and a broad range of stakeholders across MSD to drive transformational change. You'll provide strategic leadershipand adviceon complex data and analytics initiatives, helping to establish enterprise-wide capabilities that will support both the transformation programme and MSD's long-term organisational objectives.

MSD –services for the futureisa multi-year programme to transform how weoperateso 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 a significant programme of work to modernise MSD's data capabilitiesandsystemstoestablish a more connected, trusted, and data-driven organisation. This includes:

• Strengthening data governance, stewardship, and accountability
• Establishing enterprise data quality standards and frameworks
• Implementing master and reference data management capabilities
• Supporting data migration and modernisation initiatives
• Enabling trusted analytics, reporting, and future AI-enabled decision making
• Creating sustainable enterprise practices that support both transformation and business-as-usual operations

This work will have a lasting impact across MSD and plays a critical role in delivering better outcomes for New Zealanders.

As Principal Advisor(data &analyticstransformation)you will:

• Provide strategic advice and thought leadership on enterprise data and analytics initiatives that support MSD's transformation programme.
• Support thedelivery ofcomplex pieces of workwith a particular focus on whereinitiatives have an impact on the widerorganisational change.
• Partner with senior leaders, Service Delivery, business owners, architects, and delivery teams to shape and influence key decisions.
• Help define and embed enterprise approaches to data stewardship, data quality, master data management, and information management.
• Support the General Manager with procurement, recruitment, and broader team and capability development activities.
• Act as a bridge between business and technology teams, translating complex concepts into practical and actionable outcomes.
• Support organisational change by building stakeholder understanding, readiness, and adoption of new data capabilities and ways of working.
• Identify risks, dependencies, and opportunities associated with transformation delivery and provide practical recommendations.
• Prepare high-quality reports, briefings, discussion papers, and recommendations for senior leaders and governance groups.
• Contribute to building a strong, collaborative, and high-performing team culture.

To be successful in this role, you'll bring:

• Significant experience leading or advising in a data or analytics environment.
• Demonstrated experience working within large, complex government organisations undergoing significant change.
• Strong understanding of frontline practices and change management principles with experience supporting the implementation and adoption of new processes, capabilities, or operating models
• Strong understanding of data management practices, including data governance, stewardship, data quality, and master data management.
• Proven ability to engage and influence stakeholders across all levels of an organisation, including senior leaders, operational teams, and frontline service delivery functions.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to simplify complex concepts and build shared understanding.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and develop practical solutions to complex challenges.
• Exceptional written skills, including experience preparing executive-level advice, strategy papers, and governance artefacts.
• A collaborative approach and commitment to continuous improvement.

Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $142,874.00 - $177,798.00

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.

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.