Senior Economist

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Senior Advisor - Research and Insights

Everybody should have a place to live that is warm, dry, safe, stable and affordable, with access to the support they need to live healthy, successful lives.

Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga - The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) leads Aotearoa - New Zealand's housing and urban development work programme.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

This role sits within our System Insights and Strategy branch. This team is tasked with looking after housing and urban data, measuring what is happening in the system, reporting on progress and impacts, and turning all of this into something that can guide HUD strategy and support change.

You will work to build, maintain and communicate a picture of how our housing and urban development system operates and how supply and demand side interventions are likely to flow through and alter the system, including the Government's Going for Housing Growth plan. You will need to have an economics qualification, ideally with experience in urban economics or a related field - or extensive urban economics related experience.

You will develop robust data and evidence foundations for the system, and undertake modelling, research and analysis, to understand the system's performance.

You will have experience in economics, coding and in the delivery of research, evaluation and/or insights. You will be able to synthesise information to provide clear and concise advice. You will stay connected with best practice and build strong relationships across the Ministry and across the sector. You will be responsible for leading key pieces of work, working flexibility to adapt to changing needs and priorities.

Responsibilities for the role include:

• Lead, scope, and manage modelling and research in complex and sometimes ambiguous areas, primarily applied urban economics.
• Critically synthesise information to provide clear, accurate and well-reasoned advice, drawing sound conclusions and communicating issues and concepts clearly and succinctly.
• Continually work to learn and develop research and analysis skills and understanding of the working of the public sector.
• Develop effective working relationships with stakeholders (internally and externally) to enable them to input into your work and gain value from the products and capabilities you deliver.
• Proactively build and maintain relationships across government and within the sector.

Ō wheako, ō pukenga | About you

• Economics qualification and experience, ideally urban economics or a related field
• A high level of coding proficiency
• Experience analysing data to undertake statistical and/or econometric modelling, inference and/or forecasting and/or prediction
• The ability to use strategic thinking to identify what is important in the medium and long term and system thinking to see issues in the wider context
• The ability to clearly communicate key evidence based insights to inform decision-making
• Strategic agility and flexibility to adapt to changing needs and priorities

Mō mātou | About us

Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga reflects the intention of 'the foundation for a treasured home'. The name comes from the Māori whakatauki (proverb) 'he kurakāinga e hokia, he kuratangata e kore e hokia', - 'a treasured home will endure, not so a treasured person'. It carries with it a strong connection to our purpose: he kāingaora, he haporiora - thriving communities where everyone has a place to call home. The importance of ensuring the wellbeing of people within the home, and our connection with the land - acknowledges the generations of people who have always called this place 'home' - and affirms our commitment to delivering for future generations of New Zealanders.


Ngā painga | What we offer

• Engaging employee-led people networks that celebrate diversity, provide safe spaces, and encourage thought-leadership
  
• Central location, close to key stakeholders and the railway station, modern office space and cloud -based technology
  
• Wellbeing initiatives, tools and courses, and a discounted health insurance scheme
  
• Open minds - we aren't afraid of change and encourage fresh approaches and ideas from people who want to make a difference
  
• We work to make sure the aspirations of whānau, hapū and iwi are enabled
  

Salaries automatically move up a step on an annual basis

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Please click on the APPLY button to be directed to the application page, from here you can upload your CV and cover letter. Please note, while applications close on Thursday 8 May 2025, we will be reviewing applications as they are received and may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible if you are interested in this position.

Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

For tracking and evaluation purposes, all applications must be submitted via our on-line process. You must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be eligible for this position.'

For further inquiries please contact