Senior Analyst (Analyst) | Forecasting and Costing | Wellington
Date: 6 Oct 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
Join our dynamic Forecasting and Costing team at the Ministry of Social Development as a Senior 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.
About the role | Mō te tūnga
- Lead the development, maintenance, and enhancement of forecasting and costing models used to understand the impacts of policy decisions on benefit numbers and expenditure.
- Apply advanced analytical techniques using R, Python and SQL to deliver robust, evidence-based insights and advice.
- Work with large and complex datasets using Snowflake and other cloud-based platforms.
- Provide expert analytical advice to support key government initiatives, Budget processes, and policy development.
- Identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement in modelling approaches, analytical methods, and business processes.
- Communicate complex technical findings clearly and confidently to both technical and non-technical audiences, including senior leaders and stakeholders.
- Mentor and support analysts within the team, sharing knowledge and contributing to capability development.
- Play a key role in delivering high-quality forecasting and costing outputs in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga
- A strong academic or professional background in Economics, Statistics, Data Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
- Demonstrated experience in forecasting, modelling, quantitative analysis, or a related analytical role.
- Advanced proficiency in SQL, R, Python and Excel for data manipulation, modelling, analysis, and visualisation.
- Experience working with Snowflake or similar cloud-based data platforms.
- Proven ability to independently lead complex analytical work from inception through to delivery.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to apply sound judgement in ambiguous or complex situations.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts into clear and compelling insights.
- A collaborative approach and a commitment to supporting the development of others.
Don’t be shy if you are an Analyst ready to move into a Senior Analyst role – you will be considered.
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. You'll have the opportunity to work on high-profile forecasting and costing challenges that inform government decisions and directly impact New Zealanders.
Don't miss out on this amazing chance to make a difference – apply today.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
A copy of the position description can be found here. Senior Analyst Forecasting & Costing, position description
Salary | Utu-ā-tau
Senior Analyst Forecasting & Costing: $108,528 - $131,721
Analyst Forecasting & Costing: $90,743 - $109,980
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: 11.59pm, Sunday 18 October 2026
About us | Mō mātou
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) 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 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.
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. Please highlight how your skills and experience relate to the key responsibilities listed in the position description and job advertisement.
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.
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. You can find out more about our values here.
If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.
