Senior Data Scientist - Evidence And Effectiveness

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 :

In this role, you will apply advanced analytical techniques to evaluate MSD's programmes delivered in the community, and support evidence-based policy design.

Your work will include :

• 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 :

Important information

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,

How to apply

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, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description.

All applications must be made online.

If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at

Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work.

This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.

Closing date : Sunday 23rd November,

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.

If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.

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.