Principal Analyst - Research and Intelligence

Kainga Ora; Canterbury; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Five weeks’ annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Career development

Job summary

Kāinga Ora in Canterbury is seeking a Principal Analyst - Research and Intelligence to transform complex data into actionable insights that inform strategy, policy, planning and investment decisions across the organisation.

You will lead advanced analytics, work with the Integrated Data Infrastructure, and partner with Strategy, Data, Insights and AI to influence outcomes for New Zealanders and communities.

Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification, preferably postgraduate
• 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
• 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
• Proven stakeholder engagement and collaboration skills
• Strategic mindset and evidence-based decision-making
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and complex challenges

Responsibilities

• 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

Job description

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

Applications close on Friday 18 September 2026 at 11:55pm

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.