Analyst - Forecasting and Costing
Date: 1 Sept 2025
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
About us
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.
Analyst - Forecasting and Costing
- Permanent opportunity
- Wellington based
- Salary range: $90,743 - $109,980
Join our dynamic Forecasting and Costing team at the Ministry of Social Development as an Analyst! We are responsible for providing expert analysis on the demand for and cost of the benefit system, helping to inform government decision makers on key policy decisions.
Mō te tūnga / About the role
What you’ll do:
• Build and improve models used to understand the impacts of policy decisions on benefit numbers and expenditure.
• Apply advanced analytical techniques using R, Python or SQL to deliver robust, actionable insights.
• Work with large datasets using Snowflake and other cloud-based platforms.
• Take initiative in identifying opportunities for analytical improvements and innovation.
• Communicate complex technical findings clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Provide thought leadership within the team and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.
Mōu – Ngā Pūkenga me ngā Wheako / Skills and experience
What we’re looking for:
• A strong academic or professional background in Economics, Statistics, Data Science, Operations Research, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in modelling and quantitative analysis.
• Proficiency in SQL, R, Python and Excel for data manipulation, modelling, and visualisation.
• Experience working in Snowflake or similar cloud-based data environments.
• Proven ability to work proactively, take initiative, and lead pieces of work independently.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence and support others.
Why join us?
If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding role where you can see the direct impact of your work, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
Position Description
Salary range: $90,743.00 - $109,980.00
How to apply
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.
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: Wednesday 10th September, 2025.
Joining us
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.
