Principal Analyst

Ministry Of Justice; Wellington; On-site; NZD 130,000 - 179,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4.4 weeks annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Extensive learning and development

Access to inclusive staff networks

Job summary

Ministry of Justice in New Zealand is seeking a permanent Principal Analyst to lead complex analytical work within the Sector Insights team. You will influence conversations, drive system change, and provide trusted advice to senior leaders across the Justice Sector.

You will build actionable insights from large datasets, coach analysts, and oversee major analytical programmes, while shaping decisions with rigorous methodology and best practice.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading complex analytical work.
• Expertise in quantitative analysis and modelling.
• Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Coach and mentor analysts to lift capability and performance.
• Apply Te Tiriti o Waitangi and te ao Māori perspective to work.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-impact analysis that informs justice sector priorities.
• Coach, mentor and grow analytical capability across the team while contributing to management responsibilities.
• Build actionable insights from large datasets and analytical models.
• Commission, scope and deliver complex analytical work programmes.
• Provide expert advice on methodology, standards and best practice.

Skills

Analytical leadership

Quantitative analysis

Stakeholder management

Mentoring analysts

Te Tiriti o Waitangi perspective

Job description

Job Description

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

Help shape the future of the justice system.

Internal promotions have created an opportunity for a permanent Principal Analyst within our high-performing Sector Insights team in Ātea a Rangi, Strategy.

This is a role for an experienced analyst who wants to influence the conversation, shape decisions, and drive meaningful system change across the Justice Sector. You will lead complex analytical work programmes, provide trusted advice to senior leaders, and help ensure evidence and insight inform strategic decisions.

In this role you will:

• Lead high-impact analysis that informs justice sector priorities
• Coach, mentor and grow analytical capability across the team while contributing to management responsibilities
• Build actionable insights from large datasets and analytical models
• Commission, scope and deliver complex analytical work programmes
• Provide expert advice on methodology, standards and best practice

You will regularly engage with senior leaders across the Ministry and wider Justice Sector, translating complex information into clear, influential advice that supports decision-making. You will also have the opportunity to develop your management capabilities within a safe and well established team.

Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience

No candidate will meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we have outlined and you believe you can bring value to the role, we'd love to hear from you.

To be successful in this role, you will:

• Bring significant experience leading complex analytical work
• Demonstrate expertise in quantitative analysis and modelling
• Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders
• Coach and mentor analysts to lift capability and performance
• Apply a Te Tiriti o Waitangi and te ao Māori perspective to your work

You will also be known for your sound judgement, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities while consistently delivering high-quality outcomes. A positive, solutions-focused mindset and willingness to contribute wherever needed will see you thrive in this environment.

Mō mātou/About us

At Te Tāhū o te Ture, Ministry of Justice, we're committed to strengthening people's trust in the law of Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Sector Insights team combines data, evidence and insight to support strategic decision-making across the Ministry and wider Justice Sector. We work on some of the most significant opportunities and challenges facing the justice system, providing analysis that improves performance, informs investment decisions and supports better outcomes for communities.

Joining Te Tāhū o te Ture means becoming part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions.

Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about working here

Our people are motivated by purpose, collaboration and impact. This is a team where analytical excellence is valued, professional growth is encouraged, and your work directly influences decisions that matter.

We offer a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and development, including:

• 4.4 weeks annual leave
• Flexible working arrangements where possible
• Extensive learning and development opportunities
• Access to inclusive staff networks and communities

See our full range of benefits on the Ministry of Justice careers website.

Utu ā-tau/Salary

The remuneration band for this role is $130,129 to $179,192. The appointing salary will be based on skills and experience.

Tono mai/Apply

If you want to make a real difference, influence senior leaders, and contribute to a fairer and more effective justice system, we'd love to hear from you.

You can view the position description and complete an online application by submitting your CV and cover letter.

Applications close 12 November 2026. We will review applications as they are received and may invite suitable candidates to interview before the closing date.

Help us bring meaningful change to some of New Zealand's most vulnerable communities.

For any questions, please contact [e-mail] and include the relevant job title and vacancy number in the subject line.