Principal Analyst, Data & Insights

Ministry for Pacific Peoples; Wellington; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 166,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare insurance

Subsidised eye care

Three extra annual leave days

Job summary

Ministry for Pacific Peoples seeks a Principal Analyst Data to lead complex analysis and provide technical leadership across the Ministry, informing policy and government decisions with robust evidence. You will work with large datasets including IDI and administrative data, designing rigorous research and turning results into clear insights for decision-makers.

You will lead QA, develop reproducible code, improve automation, explore responsible AI, and coach staff while building strong

Qualifications

• Strong record in quantitative analysis, research and evidence-based advice.
• Experience with large, complex datasets and IDI or linked administrative data is desirable.
• Ability to design robust quantitative research and turn findings into decision-ready insights.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex analytical work and provide technical leadership across the Ministry.
• Design robust quantitative research and turn findings into clear, decision-ready insights.
• Oversee QA and develop reproducible code and robust workflows.
• Improve automation and explore responsible uses of AI.
• Partner across government and coach staff to strengthen data capability.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Large datasets

SQL

Python

R

Code reproducibility

Version control

QA/testing

AI awareness

Education

Quantitative degree

Tools

IDI data

SQL

Python

R

Job description

29th September, 2026

Lead data analysis and insight to support Ministry decisions and strategy.

About the role

As Principal Analyst Data, you will lead complex analysis and research that improves outcomes for Pacific Peoples. You will provide technical and analytical leadership across the Ministry, using evidence to inform policy and government decisions.

Working with large datasets—including Stats NZ’s Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI), administrative and survey data you will design robust quantitative research and turn findings into clear, decision-ready insights. You will lead quality assurance, develop reproducible code, improve automation, explore responsible uses of AI, partner across government, and coach staff to strengthen data and evidence capability.

What you’ll bring

Here at the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, we value a diverse range of talents and backgrounds. Our ideal candidate will bring:

• A strong record in quantitative analysis, research and evidence-based advice, including work with large, complex datasets. Experience with the IDI or other linked administrative data is highly desirable.
• Strong SQL and R or Python skills, with experience creating efficient, reproducible code and robust workflows using testing, documentation, version control and quality assurance.
• Strong knowledge of quantitative methods, statistical analysis and research design, including selecting appropriate methods for complex questions.
• An interest in automation, modern analytical tools and responsible AI.
• The ability to lead complex, undefined analytical work and communicate findings clearly to policy, senior and non-technical audiences.
• Knowledge of New Zealand’s policy environment, with experience coaching staff and building strong relationships across policy, research, government and other organisations.
• A demonstrated commitment to Pacific Peoples, understanding of Pacific perspectives, and credibility with Pacific communities. A relevant tertiary qualification, ideally in a quantitative discipline such as statistics, data science, economics, econometrics, public policy, social science or population research.

Why join us?

Join a supportive, inclusive workplace that values your growth, wellbeing and success. You will tackle issues that matter for Pacific Peoples, influence government decisions and help shape the Ministry’s analytical capability. A thriving Pacific community benefits all Aotearoa.

• Healthcare insurance
• Subsidised eye care
• Three additional annual leave days between Christmas and New Year

Our Organisation – Ministry for Pacific Peoples

The Ministry for Pacific Peoples is the Crown’s principal advisor on improving outcomes for Pacific Peoples in New Zealand. We bring Pacific voices and perspectives into government decisions and provide robust, evidence-based policy advice to Ministers and agencies.

Our inclusive, respectful workplace is guided by Pacific values: Ola fetufaaki (Reciprocity), Tapuakiga (Spirituality), Soalaupule (Consensus), Piri’anga (Collectivism), Fakalilifu (Respect), Magafaoa (Family), and Aro’a (Love). As Tangata te Tiriti, we support the Crown’s relationships with Māori under the Treaty of Waitangi and te Tiriti o Waitangi.

The role is a full-time fixed-term role until the end of June 2027.

This role fits within our salary range of$110,376 - $165,564 per annum.

Closing date: 5pm, Tuesday 13 October 2026

Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand and hold a valid visa.

Applications may be reviewed as received, so apply early.