Principal Data and AI Governance Advisor
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
Wellington, Wellington Region, New Zealand · Full Time
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- Experience
- Any
- Salary
- NZD 148,480 – NZD 175,580 / year
- Openings
- 1
- Posted
- 3 days ago
- Work mode
- In office
- Eligibility
- Applicants must have legal rights to live and work in New Zealand.
- Resume
- Required to apply
Where you'll work
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Job description
Role Overview
Join NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi as the Principal Data & AI Governance Advisor to lead and shape how Data and AI are governed across the agency. You'll play a pivotal role in enabling responsible innovation while ensuring public trust and confidence remain intact through strategic influence and governance capability building at an enterprise scale. This is a permanent, full-time position based primarily in Wellington, with locations including Auckland, Palmerston North, or other NZTA sites.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead development and implementation of NZTA’s enterprise-wide Data & AI Governance strategy and target state.
- Design and influence policies, standards, controls, and operating models that enable responsible innovation and trustworthy data use.
- Define and embed accountability structures for data ownership, stewardship, and AI oversight across the organisation.
- Incorporate Māori data sovereignty principles into governance frameworks and decision-making processes.
- Provide governance oversight and guidance for major programmes, platforms, digital products, and AI-driven initiatives.
- Enhance governance maturity through improved assurance, risk management, and capability-building within NZTA.
- Lead the selection and ongoing optimization of enterprise governance tools.
Candidate Profile
- Extensive leadership experience in Data Governance or Data & AI Governance within complex organisations.
- Expertise creating and implementing enterprise governance strategies, frameworks, and operational models.
- Deep understanding of responsible AI, data stewardship, metadata management, data lineage, and quality assurance.
- Strong knowledge of privacy, security, compliance, assurance, and risk management principles.
- Demonstrated ability to influence senior executives and drive change on an organisational scale.
- Experience establishing governance forums and clear accountability mechanisms for data stewardship.
- Proficient with governance tools, controls, monitoring, and reporting systems.
- Familiarity with integrating Māori data sovereignty principles into governance.
- Excellent strategic judgment, systems thinking aptitude, and relationship management skills.
Organisation and Benefits
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is committed to providing transport networks that work for communities across New Zealand. The Te Aukaha - Digital team focuses on delivering modern, fit-for-purpose digital and technology services, supporting the agency’s goals with innovations that benefit all of Aotearoa.
We offer a competitive salary package ranging from $148,480 to $175,580 based on experience, alongside 5 weeks of annual leave, flexible work arrangements, plus complimentary life, income protection, and critical illness insurance for permanent staff.
Additional Information
Applicants must have the legal right to reside and work in New Zealand. Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer, strongly supporting diversity and inclusiveness. Support is available upon request during the recruitment process.
Applications close on 7 October 2026. Early applications are encouraged as shortlisting may occur before the closing date and the job posting may be withdrawn at any time.