Principal Data Analyst - 12 months fixed term

## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Principal Data Analyst – 12 months fixed term
• Lead high-impact analytics projects, shape data practice, and support strategic decision-making across the public sector.
• The Office of the Auditor-General | Te Mana Arotake aims to improve trust and confidence in public services by giving New Zealanders an independent view of government spending and performance. As the statutory auditor of all public organisations, from councils to schools, the Auditor-General's work plays a major part in ensuring that our public sector remains one of the most trusted in the world.We're looking for a principal Data Analyst for a fixed-term position to cover a secondment in our Data and Analytics team. This role is pivotal in leading key projects, supporting the Director of Data and Analytics to manage team priorities, and developing products to inform decision-making across the Office.
• In this role, you'll be :
• Leading significant projects to support our strategic priorities, ensuring that they're delivered on time to a high standard.
• Developing high-quality analytical products and data tools that generate actionable insights.
• Supporting the Director in managing team workflows, prioritisation, and delivery across multiple workstreams.
• Building strong relationships across the Office and wider public sector.
• Driving continuous improvement, including methodologies and tools.
• Mentoring team members and fostering a culture of learning and innovation.
• Clearly communicating complex data and concepts for non-technical audiences.
• To succeed in this role, you'll have :
• Proven experience leading complex data analytics or data science projects.
• Strong project management skills, with a track record of delivering analytics projects from concept to completion.
• Strong skills in insight generation, analytical product development, and data storytelling.
• Proficiency in tools such as Python, R, SQL, or similar, with a solid understanding of data modelling and integration.
• The demonstrated ability to manage relationships with senior stakeholders and influence decision-making.
• Experience supporting team members in a technical leadership capacity.
• A proactive and collaborative mindset, with a focus on delivering value and driving innovation.Experience in audit analytics or financial analytics domains will be an advantage.
• We offer our staff :
• Learning and development opportunities in data science and people management.
• Supportive hybrid working (flexible hours / days).
• Health and well-being benefits.Read more – including about staff networks, annual leave, and family benefits – on our website :
• What we stand for
• People matter
• Our independence is critical
• We act with integrity and courage
• We're here to make a differenceWe have a diverse and inclusive team that helps us to understand the issues facing the public sector and how these affect the lives of New Zealanders. We strongly welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so that we can assist you through the recruitment process.For this role, you must be able gain and maintain a Confidential national security clearance. Ordinarily, this means that you must be a New Zealand citizen, be a permanent resident, or hold a current residency class visa and intend to become a citizen when eligible. You must have a five-year checkable background in New Zealand, the UK, the USA, Canada, or Australia. Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a security clearance (please note that this is not part of the formal security clearance process).For more information, please contact Sandy Hoggarth at
• We value originality and effort. Although AI can be helpful, we require you to submit a cover letter and CV that reflects your own voice and experiences.
• You must apply online through jobs.govt.nz
• (you'll find the application form and position description there, too)
• Applications close Wednesday, 15 October 2025
• .| Location : | Wellington - Wairarapa |

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