Principal Analyst

Help shape the future of Education

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

The Principal Analyst position is based in Wellington CBD and reports to the Manager, Insights and Analysis. 

You will ensure that the team takes a strategic approach to creating value from data. Building on the use of the Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI), including creating Machine Learning-based tools or processes, you will drive innovative and effective approaches to the use of Ministry and IDI data to assess the performance of policy interventions and the system overall to inform and improve learner outcomes.

Additionally, you will mentor and provide technical guidance to the team members. 

Salary range: $118,371 – 143,760 per annum + 3% KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

For more details about the role, you can view the  Job Description here .

About you | Mōhou ake

We are looking for an experienced and capable Principal Analyst with significant modelling and coding experience within Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI).

To be successful in the role you will:

• Have a demonstrated  experience influencing and building support for your work and providing cut-through advice to senior leaders and Ministers.
• Display sensitivity for the motivations and needs of those you are providing solutions and outputs to
• Show a record of leading peoples’ understanding of those solutions and outputs.
• Have a history of working collectively and collegially with others and have a deep appreciation of the institutional and political context within which your work has been conducted.
• Experience supporting the growth and development of others and leading their intellectual development is an important part of this role.
• Experience working with senior managers and others to lead the intellectual direction of the team is also important.

  You will also have:

• A tertiary qualification in quantitative/qualitative analysis, mathematics, economics, finance, evaluation, statistics or equivalent.
• Significant experience in analysing and manipulating large data sets (R, SQL, preferred).
• The ability to communicate complex concepts and evidence to a variety of audiences, both in writing and verbally.
• An affinity for working collaboratively with internal customers and other stakeholders to determine needs, obtain information, develop approaches, and communicate results.
• A proven track record in the delivery of complex analysis.
• An acute eye for detail, taking pride in the accuracy of your work and offering robust and constructive peer review to colleagues and sound mentoring skills. 

Although this is a full-time permanent post based in Wellington, we offer a flexible work environment and would consider candidates who wish to work part-time.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake 

Te Pae Aronui provides integrated operational support to our regions for their work with the education sector and others to deliver inclusive education that meets the needs of ākonga and whanau.

The Data and Insights Group provides high quality evidence to inform policy and practice. We do this to influence the policies, actions and decisions that help shape the education system and drive excellent and equitable outcomes. We pride ourselves in providing data and analysis that makes information relevant, understandable, and useful for parents, teachers, academics and government.

The Insights and Analysis team generates insights through quantitative analysis and modelling using a data science approach.  This includes, but is not limited to, being the Ministry of Education’s centre of expertise for conducting research and analysis of the experiences and outcomes of learners in the schooling and early childhood education sectors using the IDI.  You will sometimes work under time pressure providing expert data analytical support to other parts of the Ministry, using fit-for-purpose technological and analytical approaches to ensure that key policy and operational decisions in the education system are informed by evidence and new insights.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

For further information, please contact James Swindells at james.swindells@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight –  Monday, 23 June 2025

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.