Innovation Specialist

The Innovation Specialist within the Emerging Technology team helps MSD safely explore the novel uses of new and existing technology.

Explore the future of tech in the social sector. Help MSD safely evaluate and prototype emerging technologies.

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.

Information Systems & Technology (IST) 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. IST 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.

The Emerging Technologies team promotes emerging technologies and gathers business challenges and opportunities. The team shapes prototypes that stakeholders can interact with. This new team will lead the AI development of AI strategies and guardrails. They collaborate with innovation teams in other government agencies to create a culture of embracing emerging technology across the social sector.

About the role | Mō te tūnga :

As part of MSD’s Emerging Technology team, you’ll help triage, prioritise, and evaluate new technologies and use cases.

You’ll connect with teams across MSD to uncover business challenges and shape interactive prototypes that demonstrate the potential of emerging tech.

Key responsibilities include :

• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend next steps
• Collaborate with legal, policy, security, and information teams to manage risk
• Identify business problems and match them with tech opportunities
• Co-design high-fidelity prototypes with the Innovation Designer and Engineer
• Gather user feedback to assess business value
• Communicate findings through newsletters, videos, and presentations
• Promote emerging technologies across MSD and the wider social sector
• Contribute to policies and processes that support safe, fast tech evaluation

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.

• A deep understanding of emerging technologies and product lifecycle trends
• Proven experience in large, complex technology environments
• Strong advisory skills in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
• Proven experience managing complex stakeholder relationships and building rapport
• Clear communication skills with the ability to engage across legal, policy, security, and information domains
• Knowledge of technology risk management and implementation
• A curious, collaborative, and passionate about innovation

Salary | Utu-ā-tau : $119,586.00 - $145,235.00

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 :

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

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 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.

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