Senior Research and Data Analyst

Tēnei tūranga – About the role

The Senior Research and Data Analyst is responsible for:

• Leads cross branch and cross MBIE research and data projects on behalf of the Science System Investment and Performance (SSIP) branch.
• Uses their expertise to introduce new analysis and reporting tools to enhance the products produced for the SSIP branch.
• Alongside the Research and Data Analysis provides expert advice to the business about different aspects about how our science funds are working by producing high quality, reliable and timely analysis and information. This analysis can be used to inform how well our investment processes are working, how we monitor and report against our contracts within the science investment’s portfolio, and our stewardship role in the science sector.
• Coaches and mentors the Research and Data Analyst in the team by working with them on a shared work programme and supporting the development of their technical skills.

Ngā herenga – Requirements of the role

Personal specifications

• Curiosity around what is and what could be.
• Expertise in quantitative and qualitative analysis skills.
• Has established some areas of subject matter or domain depth.
• High level of SQL skills essential.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel, Power BI, SQL and other tools to manage, summarise, interpret, and present data.
• Experience using analytical tools such as R and Python is desirable but not essential.
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• A dynamic work style that can accommodate competing timeframes and a wide range of projects.
• Experience in an economic/analysis role in the science sector would be an advantage – but not essential.
• Experience managing large and/or complex data sets would be advantageous but is not essential.
• An understanding of the role of government and the policy process would be advantageous but is not essential.
• Drive for continuous improvement of existing data processes.
• A tertiary qualification is preferred in a relevant discipline (e.g. science or economics), and/or extensive comparable experience in operational policy.

Research and analysis activities

• Leads, scopes, shapes, plans and manages analytical projects in risky, complex, ambiguous or sensitive areas.
• Uses a range of evidence including data, research and other information from range of sources to provide the foundation for evidence based analysis.
• Applies appropriate analytical and research methodologies.
• Proactively engages with clients and stakeholders to shape projects, including in developing of viable options; analysis and evaluation, and monitoring and reviewing processes.
• Contributes to or supports others in the development of information for policy advice and the provision of briefings (oral or written) on policy and research issues for internal clients, Ministers, Cabinet, Parliamentary Select Committees and other stakeholders.
• Provides a leadership role for data governance and expert advice on data structures for the investment management system.
• Applies advanced frameworks and methods of analysis to identify problems, analyse the issues, and identify and assess strategies to advance knowledge and understanding.
• Applies system, strategic and critical thinking, clear and logical reasoning and sound judgement to analyse evidence and issues.
• Critically synthesises information from a wide variety of domains and uses in-depth knowledge of the subject area and advanced technical skills to draw sound conclusions based on the judicious use of the available evidence.
• Develops innovative, practical, effective and durable analytical approaches and research and evaluation findings solutions that will help to achieve the desired outcomes.
• Provides clear, accurate and well-reasoned analysis products and communicates issues and concepts clearly and succinctly.
• Engages clients/users to develop a strategic view of the medium and long term needs and analyses issues in a strategic and system context.
• Applies advanced system, strategic and critical thinking, clear and logical reasoning and sound judgement to analyse evidence and issues.
• Leads engagement with delivery agencies, stakeholders and government agencies to ensure the advice provided is practical and effective.

Takohanga tuhinga o mua – Key accountabilities and deliverables

Management of non-departmental expenditure

• Is the administrator of the Appropriation and Investment (A&I) Database.
• Works alongside Finance to ensure the A&I Database is accurate.
• Provides expert advice and information to the Vote Manager on the current state of research, science and innovation non-departmental expenditure.

Work management

• Plans and coordinates analytical and research process and manages and delivers projects.
• Actively and independently plans and manages own projects and work load.
• Commits to documenting their work including how analysis is derived.
• Uses initiative to resolve most conflicts, manage risks and coordinate work with others.
• Leads multiple and/or complex pieces of work concurrently and actively and independently plans and manages work load.
• Takes a leadership role in cross-MBIE and cross-government projects.
• Chairs and contributes to meetings, including where matters are complex or sensitive, require negotiation or solutions.

People leadership

• Supports less experienced colleagues and encourages the sharing of their knowledge and skills.
• Provides supervision, guidance, coaching and mentoring and on-the-job training to team members.
• Provides intellectual leadership by bringing new ideas, techniques and knowledge to Analytical and Research discussions and leads strategic conversations in the policy area.
• Leads project teams and understands and utilises the capability of team members to deliver high quality project outputs.
• Contributes to the performance of the team through providing in-depth peer review and quality control.

Participating effectively in groups and teams

• Participates effectively in discussions with team members on issues in order to add value to their work.
• Provides 360 degree feedback as required, including in relation to teamwork and demonstration of values.
• Models behaviours consistent with MBIE values and Code of Conduct.
• Actively participates in the SSIP and MBIE Data Communities of Practice to foster collaboration opportunities and promote improved ways of working.

Relationship management

• Maintains relationships across a variety of functions and locations.
• Draws upon multiple relationships to exchange ideas, resources, and know how.
• Actively seeks to build and maintain a network of contacts.
• Builds immediate rapport with stakeholders.
• Proactively builds and maintains relationships across a variety of functions and locations.
• Draws upon multiple relationships to exchange ideas, resources, and know how.
• Understands and manages interpersonal and group dynamics.
• Balances different stakeholder needs in work program.

Wellbeing, health and safety

• Displays commitment through actively supporting all safety and wellbeing initiatives.
• Ensures own and others' safety at all times.
• Complies with relevant safety and wellbeing policies, procedures, safe systems of work and event reporting.
• Reports all incidents/accidents, including near misses in a timely fashion.
• Is involved in health and safety through participation and consultation.

Tō tūranga i roto i te Manatū – Your place in the Ministry

The Senior Research and Data Analyst position reports into the Manager, Service Design and Reporting within the Labour Science and Enterprise group.

More information about MBIE’s structure

To mātou aronga – What we do for Aotearoa New Zealand

Hīkina Whakatutuki is the te reo Māori name for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Hīkina means to uplift. Whakatutuki means to move forward, to make successful. Our name speaks to our purpose – Grow New Zealand for All.

To Grow New Zealand for All, we put people at the heart of our mahi (work). Based on the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi / The Treaty of Waitangi, we are committed to upholding authentic partnerships with Māori.

• As agile public service leaders, we use our breadth and experience to navigate the ever-changing world.
• We are service providers, policy makers, investors and regulators. We engage with diverse communities, businesses and regions. Our work touches on the daily lives of New Zealanders.
• We grow opportunities (Puāwai), guard and protect (Kaihāpai) and innovate and navigate towards a better future (Auaha).

Ngā matatau – Our competencies

Cultivates innovation We create new and better ways for the organisation to be successful by challenging the status quo generating new and creative ideas and translating them into workable solutions.

Nimble learning We are curious and actively learn through experimentation when tackling new problems by learning as we go when facing new situations and challenges.

Customer focus We build strong customer relationships and deliver customer-centric solutions by listening and gaining insights into the needs of the communities we serve and actively seeking and responding to feedback.

Decision quality We make quality and timely decisions that shape the future for our communities and keep the organisation moving forward by relying on an appropriate mix of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgement to make valid and reliable decisions.

Action oriented We step up, taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with purpose, urgency and discipline by taking responsibility, ownership and action on challenges, and being accountable for the results.

Collaborates We connect, working together to build partnerships with our communities, working collaboratively to meet shared objectives by gaining trust and support of others; actively seeking the views, experiences, and opinions of others and by working co-operatively with others across MBIE, the public sector and external stakeholder groups.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi

As an agency of the public service, MBIE has a responsibility to contribute to the Crown meeting its obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Te Tiriti).

Meeting our commitment to Te Tiriti will contribute towards us realising the overall aims of Te Ara Amiorangi – Our Path, Our Direction, and achieve the outcome of Growing New Zealand for All.

The principles of Te Tiriti – including partnership, good faith, and active protection – are at the core of our work.

MBIE is committed to delivering on our obligations as a Treaty partner with authenticity and integrity and to enable Māori interests. We are committed to ensuring that MBIE is well placed to meet our obligations under the Public Service Act 2020 (Te Ao Tūmatanui) to support the Crown in strengthening the Māori/Crown Relationship under the Treaty and to build MBIE’s capability, capacity and cultural intelligence to deliver this.

Mahi i roto i te Ratonga Tūmatanui – Working in the public service

Ka mahitahi mātou o te ratonga tūmatanui kia hei painga mō ngā tāngata o Aotearoa i āianei, ā, hei ngā rā ki tua hoki. He kawenga tino whaitake tā mātou hei tautoko i te Karauna i runga i āna hononga ki a ngāi Māori i raro i te Tiriti o Waitangi. Ka tautoko mātou i te kāwanatanga manapori. Ka whakakotahingia mātou e te wairua whakarato ki ō mātou hapori, ā, e arahina ana mātou e ngā mātāpono me ngā tikanga matua o te ratonga tūmatanui i roto i ā mātou mahi.

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 principles and values of the public service in our work.

What does it mean to work in Aotearoa New Zealand’s Public Service?(external link) — Te Kawa Mataaho The Public Service Commission