Principal Analyst, Forecasting & Modelling - Wellington

Kumara Vine; Wellington; Hybride; NZD 120 000 - 146 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

KiwiSaver

Résumé du poste

The Ministry of Education is seeking a Principal Analyst to lead the design of policy costings that inform funding decisions across the education system, spanning early learning, schooling, and education workforce.

You will develop analytical approaches to model costs and impacts of policy options, provide trusted advice to senior leaders and Ministers, and collaborate across agencies to deliver robust, decision‑ready insights. This is a 6‑month secondment with an ASAP start.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to develop financial or statistical models in a complex setting.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to link work to policy and investment decisions.
• Excellent communication skills to explain complex ideas clearly to non-technical audiences.
• Collaborative approach and commitment to supporting a high-performing team.

Responsabilités

• Develop policy costings to support Budget processes, funding allocations and long-term system planning.
• Lead analytical work and manage complex cost modelling tasks across education sectors.
• Provide trusted advice to senior leaders and Ministers based on robust evidence.
• Engage across agencies and with Ministers or senior leaders to inform decisions.

Connaissances

Financial modelling

Statistical modelling

Analytical thinking

Communication

Collaboration

Stakeholder engagement

Formation

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

Description du poste

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes

Our 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.

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 plus KiwiSaver (pro-rated). The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

We’re looking for a Principal Analyst who combines technical skill with big‑picture thinking. You’ll need to be confident developing and communicating robust analysis to support complex decision‑making.

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

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.

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.

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.