Principal Information Advisor

Ministry of Social Development NZ; Auckland; On-site; NZD 164,000 - 204,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Social Development NZ in Auckland is seeking a Principal Information Advisor (Information Security) to help lead the Services for the Future Transformation. You will shape information use across MSD, acting as a trusted adviser to senior leaders and driving strategic security initiatives.

You will connect strategy with practice, communicate clearly, and influence cross‑agency teams to deliver secure, ethical, and impactful information management for New Zealanders.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in information security and risk management.
• Ability to connect strategy to practice and communicate clearly.
• Proven capability to influence leaders and guide teams through complex challenges.

Responsibilities

• Provide high‑quality advice on information strategy, governance, and risk.
• Anticipate future challenges and bring innovative ideas.
• Support development of information strategies and operating models for transformation.
• Build strong relationships with colleagues to influence and enable change.
• Help MSD use information responsibly to improve outcomes for New Zealanders.

Skills

Information security

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

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Ministry of Social Development NZ – Auckland, North Island

Fixed term opportunity through to June 2027

• Wellington is the preferred location but will consider Auckland or Christchurch for the right candidate
• Information security focus
• Leading transformational change

The opportunity

We’re looking for a Principal Information Advisor (Information Security) to join our Information, Privacy and Security (IPS) Group. This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of MSD’s Services for the Future Transformation Work Programme, helping to shape how information is used across one of New Zealand’s largest government agencies.

What you’ll do

In this role, you’ll be a trusted advisor to the General Manager Information, IPS Directors, and senior leaders across MSD.

You’ll:

• provide high-quality advice and thought leadership on information strategy, governance, and risk
• anticipate future challenges and opportunities and bring fresh ideas and innovative thinking to the table
• support the development of information strategies and operating models that enable transformation and align with the wider government agenda
• build strong, collaborative relationships with colleagues and stakeholders to influence and enable change
• help ensure MSD uses information responsibly, ethically, and in ways that support better outcomes for New Zealanders

What we’re looking for

You’ll bring significant experience in information security, along with the ability to connect strategy to practice. You’re someone who can see the big picture while also paying attention to detail, and who communicates clearly and confidently. You’ll enjoy working with others, building trust, and guiding leaders and teams through complex challenges.

Most of all, you’ll be motivated by the opportunity to help MSD use information well – not only to manage risks, but also to create opportunities and support the people we serve.

At MSD, the work we do impacts the lives of New Zealanders every day. In this role, your expertise will directly shape how we use and protect information, helping us to meet today’s needs and prepare for the future. You’ll be part of a supportive and collaborative team, working on projects that matter, and making a real contribution to positive change.

MSD – Services for the Future programme is about MSD’s future role and how we can make a bigger and better difference for New Zealanders. It will help us achieve the shifts we want to make to achieve our strategic goal, Te Pae Tawhiti.

Services for the Future will position us to deliver the changes to the welfare system the Government requires.

This is a once-in-a-generation change to the way MSD delivers services to New Zealanders and our opportunity to set up MSD for the next 30 years. The programme is a major undertaking, delivering significant benefits to over a million New Zealanders who access MSD support and services. This is an unrivalled opportunity to be involved in MSD’s journey.

Core values

• Manaaki – We care about the wellbeing and success of people
• Mahi tahi – We work together, making a difference for communities
• Whānau – We are inclusive and build a sense of belonging and place
• Tika me te pono – We do the right thing with integrity

Join them today and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of others. You must have a valid NZ work visa for your application to be considered.

A copy of the position description can be found here: Principal Information Advisor position description

Salary - Utu-å-tau: $163,784 - $203,820

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.