EOI - External Governance Board Member - Modernising the IDI project, Wellington
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Stats NZ

EOI - External Governance Board Member - Modernising the IDI project

  • Posted 5d ago
  • Hybrid
  • Part Time, Fixed Term Contract

Wellington

Job Description

About the board

The Modernising the IDI Governance Board provides independent advice and strategic input to support the successful delivery of the programme. The Board brings together expertise in research, data, technology, governance and public sector delivery to help ensure that decisions are informed by both operational considerations and the needs of the research community.

Board members provide guidance on key programme decisions, identify risks and opportunities, and help ensure that changes to the IDI support high-quality research and evidence-based decision-making for New Zealand.


The opportunity

Statistics New Zealand (Stats NZ) is seeking an experienced academic researcher and IDI user to join the Modernising the IDI Governance Board, providing independent advice, constructive challenge, and a research-sector perspective throughout this significant transformation programme.

The programme is modernising the Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI), including the migration of complex social and population data from legacy SQL-based environments to a modern data platform. This work will reshape how data is acquired, integrated, managed and made available for research and analytical purposes.

As the IDI evolves, the Board plays a critical role in ensuring that the needs of researchers remain central to decision-making. Members provide oversight and advice on matters relating to data access, research outcomes, privacy, ethics, data quality, governance and user experience.

The transformation seeks to improve the efficiency, sustainability and accessibility of the IDI while maintaining the high standards of privacy, security, data quality and stewardship that researchers, government agencies and the public expect.


Selection process and indicative timeline

All applications will be assessed against the published criteria (see skills and experience ), taking into account the balance of skills, knowledge, and perspectives needed across the Forum as a whole. The appointment process will  include referee checks.

Final appointments will be confirmed by the Chief Executive of Stats NZ, ensuring the Forum has both the right expertise and representation to carry out its role effectively.

  • Expressions of Interest close: Wednesday 14 October 2026.
  • Shortlisting and referee checks: October 2026.
  • Final appointments confirmed: Early November2026.
  • Induction and first hui: November 2026.

Skills and experience

Stats NZ is seeking individuals who can bring a strong research perspective and an understanding of how changes to the IDI's data, technology and operating environment may impact researchers and research outcomes. We welcome candidates from a range of backgrounds and recognise that direct experience across all areas is not required.

Collectively, Board members should bring a balance of expertise across the following areas.


Area Description Why it Matters for the Board

Research Expertise Relevant academic or applied research experience, ideally involving social, population or administrative data and the use of large, linked or longitudinal datasets. Experience working within the IDI environment is highly desirable. Provides insight into the needs of researchers and helps ensure decisions support high-quality research outputs and outcomes.

Data and Information Management Experience working with complex, sensitive or large-scale datasets, including an understanding of data quality, methodology and data management practices. Supports informed oversight of data stewardship, quality and the ongoing integrity of IDI data assets.

Enterprise Transformation Experience leading or contributing to governance, data, digital, technology or organisational transformation initiatives. Knowledge of modern data platforms, data migration programmes or modern data platforms is advantageous. Helps the Board oversee significant change initiatives and understand their implications for users, systems and future capability.

Responsible Data Use Knowledge of privacy, ethics, research integrity and the use of sensitive data within government policy and legislative frameworks. Ensures decisions balance innovation and accessibility with trust, confidentiality and responsible data use.

Governance and Independent Advice Experience providing strategic advice, sound judgement and constructive challenge in governance, advisory or leadership settings. Supports effective decision-making, robust discussion and independent oversight of strategic risks and opportunities.


Note: Applicants are not expected to demonstrate expertise across every area. Stats NZ is particularly interested in candidates with strong research experience who can bring a researcher-focused perspective to discussions on the future direction of the IDI and its supporting data and technology environment.

Membership

One member will be appointed to the Modernising the IDI Governance Board for an initial term of two years, aligned with the expected duration of the programme. Appointments may be extended if required to support programme delivery and continuity of governance.

Board members will provide independent advice and strategic input on matters relating to the modernisation of the IDI, including data, technology, governance, user impacts, risks and opportunities. Members will be expected to contribute their expertise while working collaboratively to support the successful delivery of the programme.

Members will operate in accordance with the Board's Terms of Reference, which will outline its purpose, responsibilities, decision-making arrangements and ways of working. The Board will foster an environment of open discussion, diverse perspectives and constructive challenge to support robust decision-making throughout the programme.

Secretariat support

The Forum will be supported by a secretariat within Stats NZ. Members will receive induction, training, and agenda packs to support their role.

Remuneration

Members will be remunerated in line with the Cabinet Fees Framework . Where members are already funded by Stats NZ in their roles, or by other government agencies, additional fees will not be paid. All members will have reasonable travel and accommodation costs reimbursed.

Commitment

The Forum is expected to meet monthly (up to 12 hui per year) and some ad hoc engagements may be required, using a mix of in-person and online hui.

Members should also allow for preparation time and occasional input between meetings.

Conflicts of interest and privacy

Applicants will be asked to disclose actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest. All information will be used only for assessment purposes and held securely by Stats NZ. You have the right to request access to, and correction of, your information.

Please reach out to jobs @stats.govt.nz if you have any pātai / questions.

Desired Hard Skills

  • Data Analysis
  • Governance
  • Research Expertise
  • Strategic Advice

Desired Soft Skills

  • Judgement
  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Constructive Challenge

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