Graduate Data Scientist

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.

Graduate Data Scientist -Wellington
- 12 Month Fixed Term Contract / Secondment
- National Office, Wellington
- Excellent entry level / graduate position - experience not required but may be an advantage
- Full training and development provided
- Grow you passion for data science and career with us
- Would you like to work for an agency that has supported millions of New Zealanders through the disruption of COVID-19?

If the above sounds like you and you want to know more - then apply What do we do?
Insights MSD is a group within Strategy & Insights with specific responsibility to develop and operate data and analytics capability, generate actionable insights, and provide tools to support decision making. The group's focus is supporting people to make better decisions to improve New Zealanders' lives, by making better use of data, information, and evidence.Client & Business Intelligence develops actionable insights through data science, business intelligence and geospatial analysis. The Data Science and Products team deploys and maintains advanced analytical tools to achieve MSD's priorities, and leads the exploration and development of new analytical opportunities. MSD's size and scope presents opportunities to deliver solutions to help decision makers from strategic right through to operational front-line services.

About the Role
In this role you will use your data science skills and experiences to help solve and provide innovative solutions to real-world problems. You'll bring a strong customer focus and ask insightful questions to get to the core of what's needed. Your training and development will allow you the ability to learn and offer practical solutions in language the stakeholders can understand. In addition to this having a keen eye for spotting clever solutions to deliver value quickly, while also planning how to improve them over time will be a key focus of your learning. A must for this opportunity is being flexible and being able to adapt to new ways of working, and being able to deal with unexpected challenges calmly and efficiently. Our commitment to you is to help you explore new ways to solve problems and learn, share, and grow your experience.This is a great opportunity to learn from very smart people to kick-start your career as a Data Scientist.

About You
The below would be amazing but not essential for this opportunity.
- Some data science experience
- Relevant tertiary qualification (particularly, Data Science, Computer Science, Maths, Physics, or Statistics) or equivalent experience
- Experience using statistical and data science languages (SAS, Python, R) to manipulate structured and unstructured data, and extract insights from large datasets. Other programming languages may be an advantageMust have a positive attitude - this is key for us as we are looking for someone who wants to learn
- Experience in investigating and analysing complex problems, and reaching sound conclusions
- Excellent communication skills and ability to translate data and analysis into stories which are easily interpreted by operational areas and non-technical users

Why joining the Public Service
In the public service we work collectively to make a meaningful difference for New Zealanders now and in the future. We have an important role in supporting the Crown in its relationships with Māori under the Treaty of Waitangi. We support democratic government. We are unified by a spirit of service to our communities and guided by the core principals, and values of public service in our work.

What do we offer you?
This is a unique opportunity to work with teams that make a difference to the lives of vulnerable New Zealanders. Our dedicated and collaborative teams work to support each other. We offer challenging, varied and interesting work. We support flexible work options and the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. The benefits of working with us go beyond the norm so come and find out more.

**Salary range**: $54,707.00 - $66,864.00

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**: