Data Scientist - Analytics

• Be part of a significant new area of work and a great team
• Onsite located in central Wellington 
• Fixed term until 28 February 2026 

It’s an exciting time to join the Social Investment Agency as we lead change across the public service to implement social investment and support Government to achieve better outcomes from social sector spending.

Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the role

Our work programme for the year ahead is ambitious, and our environment is fast paced, so you will need agility, a ‘can do’ attitude and a willingness to pitch in.

The Social Investment Agency is looking for a Data Scientist to join our Analytics team. The successful candidate will have a sound data science or analytical background and be able to provide social sector decision makers with compelling insights, analysis, and research.

You’ll hit the ground running and be plugged straight into our work programme reporting to the Manager Analytics.

You will work internally with our team of data scientists and our policy and insights team to influence and provide advice in developing client centric solutions. You’ll collaborate with subject matter experts inside and outside of government to provide the best advice and keep up to speed with analytical approaches.

He kōrero mōu | About you

Ideally, you will be a proven, highly experienced Data Scientist, Senior Analyst or Senior Data Scientist with a track record in using data science and analytic methodologies to solve problems for decision makers. You will be a strong relationship builder with the ability to engage with key stakeholders internally and across government to understand business needs and help develop statistically robust evidence bases. You are curious and open to learning and progressing new and advanced analytical techniques that can shine a light on improving social wellbeing outcomes. You can switch focus and deliver rapid turnaround work as well as working on longer term projects.

We can offer you the opportunity to work in a high-performing team of people with diverse backgrounds and skillsets who challenge and support each other to bring their best to work.

Below are the skills and capabilities that we are looking for. You do not need to be an expert in all of these – we’re open to both specialist and generalist candidates – but we want to see what you can bring to the table in the following areas:

• Experience working collaboratively and iteratively with others to refine and review methodology, findings and insights to deliver evidence-based advice to decision makers 
• Curiosity to keep up to date with the latest analytical techniques and methodologies 
• A relevant tertiary qualification (e.g. particularly Data Science, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Econometrics, Economics, or Statistics) 
• High proficiency in data science programming languages such as R, SQL, Python, SAS
• Ideally you will have exposure and experience with the Stats NZ IDI
• The ability to translate technical information to a non-technical audience and articulate the value of analytics and insights findings
• Comfortable working with ambiguity 
• More senior applicants will have experience delivering projects end-to-end and be able to develop others including sharing own experiences and learning and teaching specific technical skills.

Utu ā-tau | Salary

The salary range for this role is $76,081 - $107,408. Starting salaries are negotiated based on relevant skills and experience with offers generally made between is $76,081 - $89,507.

Ko wai mātou | About us

Our purpose is to shift the system using data and evidence, so that the system invests earlier and more effectively to improve the lives of New Zealanders. We focus our efforts on where we can make the greatest impact to lead, and we collaborate with agencies and stakeholders to shine a light on policy issues that fall between the gaps.

As a central government agency, our people are our centre. They’re curious, agile and hardworking, and instinctively care about the wellbeing of others.

We are committed to a safe and inclusive workplace and we value the diversity everyone brings. We embrace our diverse workforce and culture, and we support flexible working arrangements. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of gender identity, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or religion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.

Tono mai | How to Apply

To apply for this role please click the ‘Apply Now’ button and follow the online process. To view a copy of the position description please click here.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Sunday 30 March; however, we will review applications as they come in and may invite people to interview before the close date. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if an ideal person is found before the close date.

If you have any questions, please email peopleandculture@sia.govt.nz.

We look forward to receiving your application.