Principal Analyst - Economics

New Zealand Government; Wellington; Híbrido; NZD 153.000 - 216.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

New Zealand Government, Social Investment Agency, Wellington, seeks a Principal Analyst to lead senior economic analysis and shape how social investment is understood and spent. The role supports decision-making across forecasting, value-for-money assessments and investment strategy.

You will work with economics, data, evaluation, policy and commissioning teams to turn complex evidence into practical decisions, ensuring high-quality outputs for senior leaders.

Formación

• Strong applied economics, investment analysis, modelling, forecasting or cost-benefit/value-for-money expertise.
• Experience leading or quality-assuring complex analysis and working with complex datasets.
• Ability to explain technical findings clearly to senior leaders and non-technical audiences.

Responsabilidades

• Lead and quality-assure economic analysis, investment advice, forecasting and value-for-money assessments.
• Develop decision-ready insights and reusable tools, including regional evidence, spend visibility, fiscal and demand outlooks, and return-on-investment approaches.
• Work across economics, data, evaluation, policy and commissioning teams to test assumptions, strengthen evidence and support senior decisions.

Conocimientos

Applied economics

Investment analysis

Forecasting

Cost-benefit analysis

Data interpretation

Stakeholder communication

Collaboration

Educación

Economics degree

Herramientas

Excel

Descripción del empleo

Shape how government understands social investment, spending and outcomes.Lead high-impact economic analysis and influence senior investment decisions.Wellington-based role with flexible working arrangements.Fixed term until 25 June 2027It's an exciting time to join us as we lead change across the public service to implement social investment and support Government to achieve better outcomes from social sector spending.Korero mo te turanga | About the roleBring your economics expertise to work that matters.As Principal Analyst, you will provide senior economic thought leadership and hands-on analytical advice for the Community-Led Commissioning System Enablement programme.Your work will help shape how government understands social sector spending, investment value and outcomes, and turn complex evidence into practical decisions.You will:Lead and quality-assure economic analysis, investment advice, forecasting and value-for-money assessments.Develop decision-ready insights and reusable tools, including regional evidence, spend visibility, fiscal and demand outlooks, and return-on-investment approaches.Work across economics, data, evaluation, policy and commissioning teams to test assumptions, strengthen evidence and support senior decisions.He korero mou | About youYou are an experienced economist or principal-level analyst who combines technical depth with sound judgement and a practical, collaborative approach.You can make complex analysis useful to people who need to make decisions.You will bring:Strong applied economics, investment analysis, modelling, forecasting or cost-benefit/value-for-money expertise.Experience leading or quality-assuring complex analysis and working confidently with complex datasets.The ability to explain technical findings clearly to senior leaders and non-technical audiences.Sound judgement about data quality, assumptions, privacy, ethics and responsible use of evidence.Strong collaboration, prioritisation and delivery skills in a fast-moving, evolving environment.A relevant qualification in economics or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.Utu a-tau | SalaryThe salary range for this role is $153,344 to $216,485. Starting salaries reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.Ko wai matou | About usThe Social Investment Agency is a central agency, set up to lead the social investment approach to improve people's lives and to support the Government to achieve better outcomes from social service expenditure.Social investment involves using data to understand people's needs and the best prevention points, implementing evidence-based approaches to improving outcomes, and testing that they've been successful. The Agency has a particular focus on cross-sector work to address the most pervasive social sector challenges.We are committed to have a safe and inclusive workplace and we value the diversity everyone brings. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of gender identity, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or religion.If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.Tono mai | How to ApplyTo apply for this role please click the `Apply Now' button and follow the online process. To view a copy of the position description please click here: Principal Analyst - Economics, position descriptionApplications close at midnight Sunday 22 November however, we will review applications as they come in and may invite people to interview before the close date. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if an ideal person is found before the close date.If you have any questions, please email [e-mail] look forward to receiving your application.