Senior Data Scientist

**Permanent | Full-time | Wellington**

**_Undertake advanced analytics and evaluations to directly shape MSD's community support services and improve outcomes for New Zealanders. _**

We're seeking a Senior Data Scientist with a strong statistics, social science research or econometrics background to join MSD's Community Insights team. This is a rare opportunity to combine rigorous quantitative analysis with real-world policy impact. Your work will directly inform decisions to improve services addressing hardship and adverse life outcomes.

**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, whanau and communities.

As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner we are committed to supporting and enabling Maori, whanau, hapu, 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 | Mo te tunga**:

- Identifying opportunities to better measure and evidence the impact of MSD's programmes delivered by community-based service providers.
- Undertaking quantitative evaluations and causal/timeseries analysis to assess programme effectiveness.
- Working with large datasets including Stats NZ's Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI).
- Supporting MSD's data warehouse transition and streamlining analytical processes to improve efficiency, scalability, and the timely delivery of high-quality insights.- This role is for someone who thrives on solving real-world problems with rigorous quantitative methods, can communicate technical insights clearly to non-technical audiences, and enjoys helping others develop their analytical skills.
- You'll work closely with policy 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 | Ou pumanawatanga**:

- **To be successful in the role you'll need**:

- Experience with social sciences research and/or quantitative analysis, particularly applied statistical analysis and modelling, (e.g. propensity score matching, predictive modelling, regression analysis).
- Expertise in SQL, R, Python, and data visualisation tools (e.g. Power BI), with experience handling large survey or administrative datasets, including the Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI).
- Strong ability to interpret and communicate complex data, identify patterns, visualise findings effectively, and present clear, actionable insights to diverse audiences.
- Experience streamlining or automating analytical workflows to improve efficiency, scalability, and the timely delivery of findings.
- Knowledge of evaluation frameworks and design (e.g. Theory of Change and monitoring frameworks) with an understanding of the machinery of government and decision-making process.
- Strong leadership qualities with the ability to mentor others, lead key pieces of work, and contribute to the strategic direction of our analytical work.-
- **Important information**- This is a full-time role that requires a strong office presence. While some flexibility may be available, we are looking for someone who will be actively engaged on-site as part of the team.-
- **Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tunga**: Senior Data Scientist Position Description
- **Salary | Utu-a-tau**:$119,586.00 - $145,235.00

**How to apply**

**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.

**Closing date: Sunday 23rd November, 2025**.

**Joining us**

Joining MSD means being part of a whanau 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 Maori, Hapu, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
- 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._