Principal Analyst | Kaitātari Matua

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

37.5 hours work week

15 days sick leave

3 extra days off

KiwiSaver

Job summary

Stats NZ is seeking a Principal Analyst to lead data governance and enterprise design for the Integrated Statistical Data System (ISDS). Based in Wellington or Christchurch, you will promote coherent methods, embed standards, and drive modernisation of census and IDI initiatives.

You will mentor staff and collaborate with Technology Services and design teams to deliver high-quality data products. You will work across the statistics/data lifecycle, applying Te Tiriti, Tikanga, and mātauranga

Qualifications

• Experience designing methods and standards across data lifecycles.
• Ability to present research to diverse audiences.
• Strong understanding of data governance, privacy, and ethics.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of integrated data methods and standards across ISDS.
• Promote design thinking and standardisation across stats NZ data domains.
• Provide mentoring and coaching within the branch and across teams.

Skills

Data governance

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Tertiary qualification in Data Science/Computer Science/Statistics

Job description

The role | Te tūnga The Principal Analyst role will bring expertise in data knowledge and design to support the development, maintenance, and operations of our Integrated Statistical Data System (ISDS). This is a role that requires an innovative thinker and someone who enjoys introducing new ideas and helping to effect change. We are looking for someone who can confidently promote and embed the development of coherent methods and standards across the ISDS at all stages of the statistics / data lifecycle. The ISDS is a statistical system comprising three statistical domains: People, Place and Business. Leveraging integrated data, the ISDS is forming a foundational set of data assets for delivering and modernising Stats NZ’s statistical data and information production, including playing an important role in the delivery of Census and Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) modernisation. The Principal Analyst will have a focus on integrating data between people and place and developing an Enterprise Dwelling Frame. The successful candidate will have statistical production experience, a deep methodology background, and a track record in turning design into development into regular operational processes. The role will promote integrated design thinking across the ISDS and identify opportunities for standardisation. This includes a cohesive approach to methodological and systems development following best practice guidelines, as well as a good understanding and application of the legal, privacy and ethical elements. The Principal Analyst will be an important part of the Strategic Data Management branch leadership team and report to the General Manager. This role is a 2-year fixed term opportunity and is based in either Wellington or Christchurch.

This role would suit someone with:

• A tertiary qualification in a related field (like Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics) and relevant experience in a similar role
• Ability to apply conceptual and creative thinking skills in order to design the methods and/or standards at all stages of the statistics / data lifecycle
• A confident technical decision maker, an excellent collaborator/influencer who enjoys both learning from and developing other staff through coaching and mentoring
• Ability to prepare and present research on new designs to a wide range of audiences - such as internal analysts, senior management, and industry/academics at conferences
• Ability to take new methods, strategic directions and develop outlines of issues that need to be clarified before implementation
• Ability to develop practice guidelines around new and original practices that enable other staff to work efficiently and consistently
• Advance ability to write a range of technical and research documents

Information and data governance

Familiarity or commitment to developing understanding of Te Tiriti, Tikanga, Te Reo, Te Ao Māori

Demonstrated advocacy for, or support of, diversity and inclusion

Nōu te rourou You will provide professional leadership in the form of expert guidance and advice, working with a wide range of teams and individuals across Stats NZ and the wider data ecosystem, and across various data domains. You will also closely with key roles in other teams, such as Technology Services, and our Methods & Design area. In addition, you are responsible, alongside the other Principal Analysts, for the provision of mentoring and coaching to staff across the branch. We highly value demonstrated competency in mātauranga Māori, tikanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi application in a workplace setting. To support this work, proficiency in te reo Māori, or a strong commitment to developing te reo Māori capability is welcomed. We are seeking candidates with a demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and applying cultural capability in their practice. We recognise that valuable skills can come from both paid and unpaid work. You might have gained experience in education, hospitality, technology, public service, the marae, or the arts. You might have experience from community involvement, volunteering, or whānau responsibilities. We welcome and value all forms of transferable skills. Please bring your full unique self to your application.

For all our roles, we’re looking for people who:

• Act with integrity, take responsibility, and do what’s right even when it’s hard
• Understand the ‘why’ behind their work and focus on delivering real value
• Stay curious and open to learning, seeing challenges as chances to grow
• Build respectful and inclusive relationships, grounded in care for others
• Work collaboratively across boundaries and contribute to collective outcomes

We don’t expect you to know everything. What matters is your genuine interest, commitment, and readiness to grow with us. Tell us about yourself in your cover letter, what attracted you to this role, and what you would bring to Stats NZ.

About Us | Ko mātou Stats NZ Tatauranga Aotearoa is the National Statistics Office, leading the way in data and insights. While this is our focus, it’s our people who are central to everything we do. We value diverse perspectives and experiences, recognising that our work is strengthened by the people behind it. The data and insights we produce help shape decisions across government, communities, and businesses, and plays an important role in telling the story of Aotearoa New Zealand. Our mahi supports informed decision making at both national and local levels, helping improve outcomes for people, the economy, and the environment. We’re proud of the role we play in guiding and strengthening the data system, with a goal of delivering high quality data with equitable access for all.

Curious about what it's really like to work here? Before applying, we encourage you to watch our Life at Stats NZ video. It offers a glimpse into who we are, what we value, and the diverse perspectives and experiences that make Stats NZ a great place to work.

What’s in it for you? | Ngā hua ka riro ki a koe Take a look at our Stats NZ careers site to learn more about our organisational values: He pēwhea ā tātou tikanga mahi | The way we work. Some key benefits include:

• 37.5 hours work week
• 15 days sick leave allowance (to be used for yourself or people under your care)
• 3 extra days off (taken during end-of-year office closure)

Starting salary for this position: $119,795 - $140,935 + kiwisaver