Senior Analyst

• Full time
• Wellington
• Fixed term ending 31 December 2026

Mō mātou | About us
Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Mō te tūnga
| About the role
The Oranga Tamariki Social Impact and Research team works to build the evidence base to better understand wellbeing and what works to improve outcomes for tamariki, whānau, and communities across the motu. This evidence base is used to inform the organisation's policy and practice.

This role is based in our Wellington office. Due to the operational requirements and dynamic nature of the role, it will be beneficial for you to have the close support of the team around you. Candidates for this role are required to already be based in Wellington or be willing to relocate to Wellington for this opportunity.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring
We are seeking a
Senior Economist (Senior Analyst)
with strong technical and leadership skills. To apply, you must have specialist experience in at least one of the below areas:

• Economic, Econometric and statistical modelling, including advanced techniques for causal inference and impact evaluation
• Social investment analysis, including cost-benefit and social return-on-investment modelling for programmes and interventions
• Leading complex projects, managing timelines, stakeholders, and delivery of high-quality outputs
• Data analytics software and programming languages such as, Python, R, or SQL (experience with Databricks desirable)
• Working with and analysing IDI data (Stats NZ's Integrated Data Infrastructure), including understanding of data linkage, confidentiality protocols, and complex datasets

Additionally, you may have skills in:

• Social survey design, analysis and reporting (experience with Qualtrics, HTML/CSS and JavaScript desirable)
• Familiarity with big data tools, AI, and cloud-based analytics environments
• Strong understanding of data ethics and privacy, particularly in the context of Aotearoa and vulnerable populations
• Bonus if you have experience or interest in Complexity science, time and motion studies, or implementation science

We also expect our Senior Analysts to bring:

• A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and working to achieve a just and compassionate Aotearoa for all
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, particularly the ability to communicate clearly, concisely and in plain language
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to foster good stakeholder relationships and partnerships
• Sound project management skills, including the ability to effectively manage wide-ranging tasks and activities at any given time
• Understanding of machinery of government and the social and political context of Aotearoa
• Understanding of data and/or research ethics, particularly within Aotearoa and concerning tamariki, whānau, and communities
• Flexibility to work collaboratively / independently and on multiple workstreams / projects

Things that are desirable, but not required for a Senior Analyst applying include:

• Understanding of the work of Oranga Tamariki, specifically the focus on the Care and Protection of tamariki at risk of harm and working in the Youth Justice space with tamariki who may have offended, or are likely to offend
• Understanding of te Ao Māori, tikanga, kawa, New Zealand history, racial equity and institutional racism
• Te Reo Māori speaker or willingness to develop in this area
• Understanding of Pacific peoples, refugee/migrant, rainbow, and other communities Oranga Tamariki works with in Aotearoa New Zealand
• Experience working closely with tamariki, whānau and communities
• Experience providing advice to, and responding to questions from, senior managers, policy colleagues, Ministerial services, external monitors and the public

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you
Oranga Tamariki offer a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $106,416 and $117,782 dependant on experience. We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply
Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. A strong cover letter should complement your CV by telling a compelling story about why you're the right fit for the role, why you want the role, why Oranga Tamariki and to and what you bring.

If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

If you have any questions about role, please contact

Hurry as applications for this role close at midnight on 19 December 2025
and we will begin shortlisting candidates as we receive applications. Please note, we will begin interviews on the week beginning 5January 2026.
If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.