Senior Economist

Position Title:  Senior Economist  

Team and Group:  Economics, Sector Strategy

Position Type:  Permanent Full Time (38 hours per week)

Location:  Wellington CBD office

Salary Band: 17 ($109,208 to $145,055)

Great opportunity for an experienced economist with strong technical skills and experience to support a team to deliver quality economic advice and insights to support policy teams cross the Ministry.

About the opportunity | Ngā whakamārama mō te tūnga

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Economist to join our Economics team. Under the leadership of our Chief Economist and Manager, our welcoming Economics team delivers expert economic advice and appraisal services across the Ministry. We strive to ensure the provision of timely and evidence-based guidance and insights.

To excel in this role, you will confidently collaborate across the organisation, shaping policy with robust economic advice. Your responsibilities include leading economic analyses and modelling on diverse transport issues, conducting technical reviews of draft policy documents, and offering expert guidance to enhance and promote the integration of economic frameworks and insights in policy advice throughout the Ministry.

Based on the work or support that may be required, this position is Wellington based only.  

What you’ll bring | Te wāhi ki a koe

This is an excellent opportunity to use your previous relevant experience within central government organisations and contribute to better policy decisions using your economic knowledge.

You will need:

• Demonstrated experience applying economic analysis, theory, and research skills to solve real-world challenges and develop effective technical solutions.
• Proficiency in programming and coding, proven experience in developing complex economic models, and in handling and analysing large datasets, including Statistics NZ’s Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI).
• Ability to integrate multidisciplinary factors and constraints (such as land use and urban design) when addressing transport challenges, and an open-minded approach to exploring diverse solutions.
• Project management experience overseeing multidisciplinary projects and successfully delivering major initiatives.
• Skilled in building and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders, fostering trust and addressing concerns.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to clearly present economic analyses and recommendations to policy audiences.
• Committed to supporting continuous learning and professional growth.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tono mai

To view the job description, or apply online, click Apply. Please include a CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant skills and experience.

Applications close midnight, Tuesday 28 April 2026

For further information or to speak confidentially, please contact Amy Hopkins, Senior Adviser – Talent at a.hopkins@transport.govt.nz  

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds, orientations, and identities. We aim to have a Ministry that represents the wider Aotearoa that we serve. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels relevant, valued, supported and a sense of belonging.

For any support or accessibility needs during our recruitment process, please contact us at applications@transport.govt.nz

Position description Apply now

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