Principal Advisor Digital Delivery at Ministry for the Environment, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

This role is a fixed term position in response to increased demand within our high priority work programmes. We are surging in people and resources in response to these priorities. This role is through to 30 June 2027.

Mō te tūranga mahi | About the role   

We are seeking an experienced Principal to provide senior thought leadership across user experience, service design, architecture, and digital delivery to support technology initiatives within the Planning System.

This role operates at a system level, and is focused on strategic influence, expert advice, and enabling delivery across organisational boundaries. The Principal Advisor – Digital Delivery is a trusted adviser, helping shape digital priorities, resolve complex trade‑offs, and ensuring reform initiatives translate into practical, user‑centred outcomes. It plays a critical role in developing and leading on advice to senior leadership and Ministers.

Working closely with product managers, policy teams, delivery leads, and technical specialists, the Principal Advisor – Digital Delivery helps align strategy, policy intent, and operational delivery—balancing long‑term system stewardship with the realities of delivery at pace.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience  

Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau | Salary range  

Salary range for this role is $142000 to $173,000 pa.  Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience.  

Ngā hua ka puta i te mahi ki MfE | Benefits of working at MfE  

• a flexible working approach to embrace a healthy work-life blend 
• active employee networks including Māori Rōpū, Asian Network, Neurodivergent and Disability Networks, Women's Network, Tagata Moana (Pacific Peoples' Network), and Rainbow Network 
• opportunities for development and education.           

Check out other benefits of joining us and hear what our people say about Working at MfE | Ministry for the Environment.  

Tono ināianei | Apply now  

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and cover letter.  Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.     

If you require further information about this position please contact Sally Morison at sally.morison@mfe.govt.nz.  The position description is available via our careers centre www.mfe.govt.nz/jobs.  

We are committed to providing equal opportunities and actively strive to be a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture.  We actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.  We are proud to be a Rainbow Tick and Gender Tick certified organisation and are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.   

We want to ensure any accessibility needs you may have are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all.  Therefore, please let us know if there are any adjustments or support we can offer to make the recruitment process more accessible to you.  Please contact us at vacancy@mfe.govt.nz if you would like to discuss any accessibility needs you may have.  

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.  

Note: for internal permanent kaimahi who are applying for a secondment, you must speak with your Manager before submitting your application.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:   Thursday 21st May @ 5pm

Please note that the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) and it's workforce will transition into the new Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT) on 1 July 2026. Therefore, the successful applicant's employment would be transferred from MfE to MCERT as at 1 July, along with other Ministry kaimahi. Further details on what this means will be made available during the interview process.