Principal Analyst - Finance
Date: 28 Jul 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.
Principal Analyst – Finance
• Wellington based
• Fixed term/secondment opportunity until June 2026
Mō te tīma / About our team
The DSS Group has been established to ensure fairer access to disability support services in New Zealand, ensuring those with the greatest needs receive quality support services. The DSS business group is comprised of DSS operations and a dedicated taskforce to deliver the DSS Review Programme.
The Group is responsible for the delivery of DSS services to disabled New Zealanders. It also leads the DSS Review programme which will provide the capability uplift required of DSS to deliver better services and outcomes, and ensure the sustainability of DSS into the future, including appropriate commercial management of DSS contracts, procurement and finances.
Mō te tūnga / About the role
As a Principal Analyst, you’ll play a key role in shaping the work of your team and contributing to the wider Ministry. You’ll lead and support projects and policy work, either within your team or across the group and Ministry.
You’ll provide high-quality analysis and advice, and share your expertise by mentoring and supporting the development of less experienced analysts. This role offers the opportunity to influence work across a range of priorities and projects, depending on the needs of the group and Ministry.
To be successful, you’ll build strong working relationships with colleagues across the Ministry and develop effective networks with people in other social sector agencies.
Mōu – Ngā Pūkenga me ngā Wheako / Skills and experience
We’re looking for someone who brings strong experience and a practical approach to analytical work. To be successful in this role, you’ll need:
• A tertiary qualification in a relevant field at honours level or higher, or equivalent operational experience
• Strong skills in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods
• Experience working with administrative data and confidence using it in your analysis
• Solid technical and analytical skills, with the ability to use tools such as Excel, SAS, Enterprise Guide, SPSS, and publication software
• Proven experience in a senior analytical role
• Sector knowledge: Experience with the Health NZ claims environment or an understanding of Disability Support Services would be an advantage.
• Highly developed analytical thinking and a commitment to keeping your skills and knowledge up to date
• The ability to produce high-quality analysis and support others through peer review and coaching
• Experience leading projects and working well with others to get things done
Position Description
Salary range: $141,109.00 - $175,603.00
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 6th August, 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.
