Analyst, Research and Evaluation - Evidence and Effectiveness
Date: 15 Feb 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
Permanent | Full-time | Wellington
Apply your research and evaluation expertise to MSD’s community support services and improve outcomes for New Zealanders.
We are looking for an analyst with a strong background in social science or social policy research and/or evaluation to join the Community Insights team. This is a rare opportunity to undertake and commission research and evaluation that has real-world policy impact. Your work will directly inform decisions to improve services addressin.
About us | Mō mātou:
The Ministry of Social Development is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.
We provide social policy and advice to government and assistance, including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.
As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.
About the role | Mō te tūnga:
In this role, in our Community Insights team, you will apply your research and evaluation skills to evaluate MSD’s programmes, improve monitoring of outcomes and support evidence-based policy design. Your work will include:
• Working closely with other teams across MSD to support robust research, monitoring and evaluation work
• Undertaking both qualitative and quantitative data analysis
• Commissioning, peer reviewing and overseeing research and evaluation work to assess programme effectiveness.
• Strengthening monitoring approaches and supporting community services providers to improve their reporting.
• Advising senior leadership and Ministers of insights from research and evaluation.
This role is for someone who thrives on addressing real-world problems with rigorous qualitative and quantitative methods, and can communicate insights clearly to non-technical audiences.
You’ll work closely with policy, service development and delivery teams to ensure that evidence informs decisions and programme design.
You'll be part of a dedicated team of experienced mixed methods specialists who share your passion for making a meaningful impact across Aotearoa.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:
To be successful in the role you’ll need:
- Experience with social sciences research and evaluation methodologies, ideally blending qualitative and quantitative research and evaluation skills through a mixed-methods experience.
- Experience advising senior leadership and Ministers of insights from research and evaluation.
- Familiarity with kaupapa Māori research methods and the ability to incorporate a te Ao Māori perspective in research.
- Knowledge of te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sector.
- Strong ability to interpret and communicate complex data, identify patterns, visualise findings effectively, and present clear, actionable insights to diverse audiences.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Experience working with internal and external stakeholders to collaboratively scope, design and manage research and evaluation projects.
- An understanding of the machinery of government and decision-making process.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $90,743.00 - $109,980.00
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono:
Before you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment
To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.
Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description. AI tools can be useful for researching and refining your application. If you use AI to help with your CV or cover letter, please make sure the content still reflects you and includes your own achievements and experience. AI can sometimes produce incorrect information, so remember to proofread and personalise your application.
All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at jobs@msd.govt.nz
Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.
Closing date: Sunday 1st March 2026.
Joining us | Ko te hono mai:
Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents. We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive, and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. We are a Treaty partner committed to strengthening relationships with Māori, Hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
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.
MSD has a COVID-19 vaccination policy that encourages, but does not require, employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and its variants, unless the role is identified as requiring vaccination at the time.
