Principal Analyst, Forecasting & Modelling – Wellington

Kumara Vine; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver

Job summary

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Financial modelling

Statistical modelling

Analytical thinking

Communication

Collaboration

Stakeholder engagement

Education

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

Job description

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.