Principal Information Advisor

CGR Services; Wellington; On-site; NZD 164,000 - 204,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is seeking a Principal Information Advisor (Information Security) to drive strategy, governance and risk across the IPS Group. You will influence leaders and teams as MSD undergoes the Services for the Future Transformation, shaping information use for better outcomes for New Zealanders.

You will connect policy to practice, support transformation programs, and work with stakeholders to build trust and deliver responsible information management at scale.

Qualifications

• Significant information security experience with a strategic mindset.
• Ability to translate policy into practical information governance.
• Strong communication and stakeholder influence skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide high‑quality advice on information strategy, governance and risk.
• Anticipate future challenges and introduce innovative thinking.
• Support development of operating models aligning with government priorities.
• Build collaborative relationships to enable change.
• Ensure information use is responsible, ethical, and outcomes‑driven.

Skills

Information security

Governance

Risk management

Information strategy

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Contract, location and focus

• Permanent and fixed term through to June 2027 opportunities available
• 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

• 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 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.

Why join us

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
• Whanau – We are inclusive and build a sense of belonging and place
• Tika me te pono – We do the right thing with integrity.

You must have a valid NZ work visa for your application to be considered.

Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga

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

Salary

Utu-ā-tau: $163,784.00 - $203,820.00

Applications close

Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Sunday, 20 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.

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.