Principal Analyst - Research and Intelligence

Kainga Ora; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Five weeks' annual leave

Insurance package

Flexible working arrangements

Career development

Job summary

Kainga Ora is seeking a Principal Analyst - Research and Intelligence to transform complex data into actionable insights for strategy, policy, planning and investment decisions. You will lead analytics projects, work with the Integrated Data Infrastructure, and collaborate across Strategy, Data, Insights and AI to improve outcomes for New Zealanders.

You will apply advanced analytical techniques and forecasting to tackle complex organisational challenges, communicating findings to senior leaders

Qualifications

• To be successful in this role, you'll bring advanced analytics, data science experience and a strong foundation in statistical modelling.
• You will have experience in research or intelligence roles with ability to translate findings into policy or strategy.
• Demonstrated stakeholder engagement, clear communication and evidence-based decision making are essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex analytical projects addressing strategic and policy questions.
• Generate high-quality insights from structured and unstructured data (Integrated Data Infrastructure).
• Translate complex findings into clear senior leader recommendations.
• Develop predictive models, forecasting tools and scenario analysis.
• Apply statistical, machine learning and evaluation methodologies.
• Partner across the organisation to inform decision-making and opportunities.

Skills

Advanced analytics

Data science

Statistical modelling

Forecasting

Hypothesis testing

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Strategic thinking

Policy analysis

Mixed-methods research

Education

Postgraduate qualification

Quantitative methods

Tools

Integrated Data Infrastructure

Data warehousing

Big data tools

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Principal Analyst - Research and Intelligence

• Shape strategic and policy decisions through advanced analytics and predictive insights
• Leverage diverse and large datasets (including the Integrated Data Infrastructure) to influence outcomes for New Zealanders
• Work on complex, high-value challenges that help build better communities across Aotearoa

We're seeking a highly skilled Principal Analyst - Research and Intelligence to join our Research and Intelligence team within Finance. In this influential role, you'll transform complex data into actionable insights that inform strategy, policy, planning and investment decisions across Kāinga Ora.

Working closely with colleagues across Strategy and Policy, Data, Insights and AI, and key business stakeholders, you'll apply advanced analytical techniques, statistical modelling and forecasting to tackle complex organisational challenges. You'll help shape understanding of future demand, assess policy and programme effectiveness, and provide evidence-based insights that support better outcomes for our customers and communities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading complex analytical projects to address strategic and policy questions
• Generating high-quality insights from structured, unstructured and linked administrative data (Integrated Data Infrastructure)
• Translating complex findings into clear recommendations for senior leaders
• Developing predictive models, forecasting tools and scenario analysis
• Applying statistical, machine learning and evaluation methodologies
• Partnering across the organisation to identify opportunities and inform decision-making
• Ensuring analytical rigour, data integrity and ethical use of information
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of research and intelligence capability across Kāinga Ora

You are an intellectually curious and strategic thinker who enjoys solving complex problems through data and evidence. You combine strong technical expertise with the ability to communicate insights clearly, influence decision-making, and build trusted relationships across a diverse range of stakeholders.

To be successful in this role, you'll bring:

• A relevant tertiary qualification, preferably at postgraduate level
• Experience in advanced analytics, data science, research or intelligence roles
• Strong expertise in statistical modelling and quantitative research techniques
• Experience working in a mixed-methods research environment
• The ability to work with complex datasets and generate meaningful strategic and policy-relevant insights
• Knowledge of enterprise data platforms, data warehousing concepts and modern analytical tools
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly
• Proven stakeholder engagement and collaboration skills
• A strategic mindset, sound judgement, and a commitment to evidence-based decision-making
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and complex challenges

If you're passionate about using data, research and advanced analytics to influence decisions that make a meaningful difference for New Zealand communities, we'd love to hear from you

Nōu te rourou - What's in it for you?

We offer competitive salaries, five weeks' annual leave and a benefits package including a range of insurances, flexible working arrangements and career development. These benefits are described in more detail here https://careers.kaingaora.govt.nz/a-great-place-to-work/benefits

As a Kāinga Ora - Homes and Communities employee, we want to make sure that you have all the tools and support you need. We want to ensure you are healthy and have work-life balance. We also want to support and grow your personal and career development through on-the-job learning, training courses, secondments and study opportunities.

At Kāinga Ora, ours is the important responsibility of transforming New Zealand's housing choices, outcomes and the entire housing sector by creating homes and communities that allow New Zealanders to thrive.

What is exciting about working for Kāinga Ora is getting the chance to make a real and positive impact on New Zealanders' lives. With skills, planning and purposeful action, our people are creating the homes and neighbourhoods that will build the future of Aotearoa.

We are passionate about transforming New Zealand for the better. That includes being a trusted partner for Māori and iwi, protecting and enabling their rights, interests and aspirations under the guidance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Our values were developed by us, for us. They unite us as an organisation and guide how we work every day.

Our values are:

• Manaakitanga – People at the Heart
• Whanake – Be Bold

As part of our commitment to supporting employees through organisational change, affected Kāinga Ora employees will be considered for vacancies in the first instance.

We value diversity and are committed to working with each other and our customers in an inclusive and respectful way. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and appreciate the richness of experience that your point of difference brings to the organisation.

If you don't tick all the boxes in this listing but think that you could be a great fit based on your unique background and skillset, we would welcome an application from you.