Principal Analyst - Research and Intelligence

Kāinga Ora - Homes and Communities; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Five weeks' annual leave

Competitive salaries

Flexible working arrangements

Career development

Job summary

Kāinga Ora - Homes and Communities seeks a Principal Analyst - Research and Intelligence in Wellington. You will transform complex data into actionable insights to inform strategy, policy, planning and investment decisions across the organisation.

You will apply advanced analytics, forecasting and machine learning to address challenges, shape understanding of demand, and provide evidence-based insights for customers and communities.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field.
• Experience in advanced analytics, data science or intelligence roles.
• Strong expertise in statistical modelling and quantitative techniques.
• Experience in a mixed-methods research environment.
• Ability to derive strategic, policy-relevant insights from complex data.
• Knowledge of enterprise data platforms and data warehousing concepts.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex analytical projects addressing strategic and policy questions.
• Generate high-quality insights from structured and unstructured data.
• Translate findings into clear recommendations for senior leaders.
• Develop predictive models, forecasting tools and scenario analysis.
• Apply statistical, machine learning and evaluation methodologies.
• Partner across the organisation to inform decision-making.
• Ensure analytical rigour, data integrity and ethical use of information.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of research and intelligence capability.

Skills

Advanced analytics

Data science

Statistical modelling

Quantitative research

Mixed-methods research

Data platforms

Data warehousing

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Education

Postgraduate qualification

Tools

Enterprise data platforms

Forecasting tools

Statistical software

Job description

Te whiwhinga mahi - Our opportunity

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

What You Will 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

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.

• Competitive salaries
• Five weeks' annual leave
• 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.

Mō mātou – Our Organisation

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

• Manaakitanga – People at the Heart
• Mahi Tahi – Better Together
• Whanake – Be Bold

Join us

Applications close on Friday 18 September 2026 at 11:55pm. Don’t hesitate to apply, as we may review and interview applicants as they are received and reserve the right to close advertising early.

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.