Principal Analyst, Forecasting & Modelling

Ministry of Education; Wellington; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver (pro-rated)

Job summary

The Ministry of Education in Wellington is seeking a Principal Analyst on a 6-month secondment to lead the design of policy costings that inform funding, policy and investment decisions across the education system. You’ll work across early learning, schooling, and education workforce to deliver robust cost models and trusted advice to senior leaders.

You'll bring proven experience in financial or statistical modelling, strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to collaborate

Qualifications

• Proven experience developing financial or statistical models in a complex setting.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to connect work to broader policy and investment decisions.
• Strong communication skills - including the ability to explain complex ideas clearly to non-technical audiences.
• A collaborative approach and commitment to supporting a high-performing team.
• A tertiary qualification in a relevant field (e.g. economics, statistics, finance, policy, evaluation).
• Experience engaging across agencies and with Ministers or senior leaders.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of policy costings to support Budget processes, funding allocations, and long-term system planning.
• Develop analytical approaches to model costs and impacts of high profile policy options.
• Provide trusted advice to senior leaders and Ministers.
• Contribute to high-priority initiatives and manage complex and analytical work.

Skills

Financial modelling

Statistical modelling

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Collaborative

Cross-agency engagement

Education

Tertiary qualification in economics/ statistics/ finance/ policy/ evaluation

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New ZealandHelp shape the future of EducationWe work toshapeaneducationsystem that deliversequitableandexcellent outcomesOur organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

This is a secondment or fixed-term opportunity for 6 months to cover a peak busy period. ASAP start.This Principal Analyst role is a unique opportunity to contribute to the development and delivery of high-quality policy costings that inform funding, policy and investment decisions across the education system.Working across early learning, schooling, and education workforce, you'll lead the design of policy costings to support Budget processes, funding allocations, and long-term system planning. You'll contribute to high-priority initiatives, manage complex and analytical work, and provide trusted advice to senior leaders and Ministers.This is a great opportunity for someone with proven technical expertise, a passion for cost modelling, skill in working with others from a range of disciplines, and a strong commitment to public value. You will be developing analytical approaches to model costs and impacts of high profile policy options, and contributing to evidence-informed decision-making and real change in the education system.

Salary range: $120,171 - $145,560 per annum. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

• plus KiwiSaver (pro-rated)

About you | Mōhou ake

You will have:

• Proven experience developing financial or statistical models in a complex setting
• Strong analytical skills, with an ability to connect your work to broader policy and investment decisions
• Strong communication skills - including the ability to explain complex ideas clearly to non-technical audiences
• A collaborative approach and commitment to supporting a high-performing team
• A tertiary qualification in a relevant field (e.g. economics, statistics, finance, policy, evaluation)
• Experience engaging across agencies and with Ministers or senior leaders
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

In return, we can offer you the opportunity to work on a high-impact, fast-moving programme of work where analytical insight directly shapes funding, policy and investment decisions. You'll be part of a team that values learning, high-quality work, and collaborative problem-solving.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The Forecasting and Modelling team (within Te Pou Kōrero - Digital & Data) is responsible for producing the Ministry’s major expenditure forecasts — including early learning, teacher salaries, and school operational funding. Our work directly informs Budget decisions and Ministerial advice. We also support policy development through targeted costings and modelling. Our focus is on delivering insights that are methodologically robust, transparent, and useful for decision-makers. You'll be part of a technically skilled, highly engaged team with a strong culture of learning, constructive challenge, and support. We work closely with analysts, policy teams, regional staff, and agencies like Treasury to ensure our work contributes meaningfully to system improvement.

For further information, please contact Amie White, Acting Manager at [e-mail]

Applications close: Midnight, Wednesday 11th November 2026.

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.