Auckland Council

AI Enablement Lead | Wellington | Permanent

Auckland Council  •  NZ$164k - NZ$204k/yr  •  Wellington, NZ (Onsite)  •  5 hours ago
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Job Description

  • Define, create, and drive the adoption of AI-enabled ways of working across a major government transformation programme
  • Enable teams to work smarter, faster and with greater consistency through practical AI uses such as analysis, prototyping, and delivery of software
  • Partner with leaders across design, delivery and technology to embed responsible AI at scale and pace

Join the Services for the Future programme and play a key role in shaping how AI is used to accelerate delivery and improve outcomes across MSD.

About our team | Mō te tīma:

Every week, around 1.4 million New Zealanders count on MSD for income support and services to connect with work, housing and better lives for their families.

Our Technology group provides the technologies, innovation and expertise that enable MSD staff and partners to deliver these essential services, today and into the future.

We’re driving a once in a lifetime transformation of services for New Zealanders. The group is a key enabler of this change bringing together strategic thinkers, technology specialists and delivery leaders to design solutions and deliver change while keeping vital services running reliably every day.

About the role | Mō te tūnga:

As the AI Enablement Lead, you’ll be accountable for accelerating the adoption of AI across the end-to-end delivery lifecycle, embedding it into design, build, test and change activities.

You will work across multidisciplinary teams to identify high-value use cases, enable adoption, and ensure AI is applied responsibly, in line with assurance, privacy, security and technology standards.

This is a unique opportunity to embed practical, responsible AI into everyday ways of working across a large, complex organisation.

This role is based in our Wellington office.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Define and promote AI-by-design principles and guardrails aligned to programme objectives and organisational policy
  • Identify and enable high-value AI use cases across design, delivery, testing, business readiness and continuous improvement
  • Coach and enable teams to use AI tools effectively while maintaining quality, assurance and governance requirements
  • Establish reusable patterns, guardrails and ways of working to support consistent AI adoption across workstreams
  • Support teams to embed AI tooling into everyday workflows across disciplines
  • Collaborate with architecture, security, legal and assurance functions to ensure compliant and responsible AI usage

We’re committed to creating a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Diverse perspectives strengthen our mahi, and we value the unique contributions everyone brings to the team.

Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.

What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:

  • Demonstrated expertise in AI enablement and responsible AI practices, with strong awareness of emerging tools, trends and regulatory considerations
  • Proven experience applying AI tools in delivery environments (e.g. content generation, analysis, prototyping, test automation) with measurable impact
  • Experience embedding new ways of working at scale, including developing playbooks, patterns and enablement approaches
  • Strong capability in coaching multidisciplinary teams to adopt new tools and practices
  • Experience contributing to governance, assurance or risk frameworks, particularly in privacy, data and responsible technology use
  • Ability to work effectively with enterprise stakeholders across architecture, security, legal and delivery leadership
  • Proven ability to identify and scale innovation opportunities beyond pilot phase into operational workflows
  • Strong understanding of end-to-end delivery lifecycles within digital or transformation programmes
  • Certifications or demonstrated capability in AI/ML, data ethics, cloud platforms or agile delivery are advantageous

If you are passionate about enabling teams through practical AI use and shaping how technology improves outcomes at scale, this is an opportunity to make a significant impact across a major transformation programme.

| He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:

A copy of the position description can be found here. AI Enablement Lead position description.

Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $163,784.00 - $203,820.00

A salary offer will be based on the preferred candidates skills and experience and our team relativities.

Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Wednesday 24 June 2026.

About us | Mō mātou

The Ministry of Social Development 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 and advice to government and assistance, including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.

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.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

Before you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment

To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.

Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description.

All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at jobs@msd.govt.nz

Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.

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.

Auckland Council

About Auckland Council

Auckland Council serves over 1.5 million Aucklanders providing services, policies and decision-making.

We’re here to serve Auckland and build a more prosperous region, one that gives a voice to our citizens, and makes it a great place to live, visit and invest.

Our talented people support Auckland’s elected representatives by providing specialist advice, implementing decisions and delivering services like rubbish and recycling, resource and building consents, bylaws, events and parks.

Our vision is to create a world-class city where talent wants to live. If you are interested in working for Auckland, visit our career website (careers.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz) or check our 'Jobs' and 'Life' tabs.

Auckland Transport, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Watercare are independent council-controlled organisations that look after specific council assets or activities on our behalf.

Industry
Government & Public Safety
Company Size
5,001-10,000 employees
Headquarters
Auckland, NZ
Year Founded
2010
Website
govt.nz
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