Data Scientist

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Make data count
• Join a diverse and supportive team making a difference
• Opportunity to use your skills and knowledge in growing the data science business capability at Immigration New Zealand.
• Permanent position, Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch location
• Salary ranges from: $101,911 - $121,196

Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:

As a Data Scientist in the Risk Analytics and Data Science (RADS) team, you will work in partnership with your manager and other staff across Risk and Verification and the wider business. You will bring your data understanding and expertise to contribute to JTA operations including risk identification and the development of smarter targeting methods to support immigration decision makers.

You will be part of a group of data scientists responsible for operational algorithm development and monitoring and ongoing improvement of models in the Snowflake cloud platform.

You may also have opportunities to work in collaboration with data scientists from other border agencies as part of a cross-agency team delivering analytics capabilities to help protect New Zealand's border.

MBIE supports a wide range of flexible working arrangements.  Talk to us about what might work for both you and us.

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana -

Skills and Experience Required
 

To be successful in this role, you will need to be able to demonstrate that you have experience in, or have the qualities that would enable you to successfully perform, the following tasks:

• Experienced in using analytics modelling techniques in a risk and/or operational environment both on premise and in the cloud.
• Knowledge of Python and SQL.
• You're able to translate complex and technical information to be easily understood by non-technical staff.
• You can work both independently, and in collaboration with others, with a can-do attitude, excellent command of the English language, and the ability to quickly assimilate new information or areas of work.
• You have excellent communication skills with a proven ability to develop trust and credibility with managers and staff and develop strong working relationships with them.
• Post graduate qualification, preferably in statistics, operations research, data science or a similar discipline.
• You must also have the ability to gain and maintain a nation security clearance (check your eligibility here).

To apply for Immigration New Zealand roles, applicants must be either a New Zealand citizen or hold a New Zealand permanent resident visa. 

Ētahi kōrero mō MBIE - About MBIE:

MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders.

We do this by working with others to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities and by working to ensure quality housing is more affordable.

People are at the heart of our mahi, our way of working is guided by our values which shape our behaviours.

• Mahi Tahi – Better Together
• Māia – Bold and brave
• Pae Kahurangi – Build our Future
• Pono Me Te Tika – Own It

Our aspirations are echoed in our Māori identity – Hīkina Whakatutuki – which broadly means ‘lifting to make successful'.

MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Māori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Māori, other Māori groups/organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Māori and for wider Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to continuing to partner with iwi in order to find new sustainable solutions to address long standing systemic and cross-cutting issues facing Māori and wider Aotearoa New Zealand and we are also committed to identifying opportunities for iwi to lead and creating an enabling environment for iwi to leverage these opportunities.

E mōhio ana a Hīkina Whakatutuki i puea ake te kōtuinga I waenganui i a ngāi Māori me te Karauna i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ā, kei te whai ia ki te whakaū ake i Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Mā te whai kiko o ngā kōtuinga ahungaroa o ngāi wi, o ngāi Māori, me ētahi atu rōpū Māori ki te Karauna, katutuki tēnei. He āhuatanga nui tēnei e āhei ai ngā mahi whanaketanga ā-ohanga, ā-pāpori hoki ki a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui. E whai tonu ana mātou ki te kōtui atu ki ngā iwi mō te rapu huarahi hou ki te whakaara i ngā kaupapakua roa nei e tāmi ana i a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui, ā, e whai ana hoki ki te tautohu i ngā āheinga kōkiritanga mā ngā iwi, me te tautoko i ngā iwi kia whai mana ake ai ēnei āheinga.

Me pēhea te tono - How to Apply:

Please note that MBIE is currently undergoing a set of significant changes which have resulted in a number of our kaimahi being considered affected. As per our usual policy, any staff affected by change are considered first for vacancies if appropriate. This may result in delays to recruitment for non-affected staff, or in recruitment being stopped prior to shortlisting or interview stage.

Click here to view a position description. All applications must be submitted via our online process and include a Cover Letter and CV outlining your interest and suitability for the role.

Email Nik Sharma at nikhil.sharma@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/17489 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on Thursday, 19 June 2025