Senior Economic Data Scientist

A fixed-term opportunity to influence the monetary policy process and the core modelling capability that supports it. This is an opportunity to support effective data management and model implementation as part of a significant upgrade of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s core forecasting and policy model.  

Te tūranga – The role

We have a fixed-term opportunity, providing data management expertise within the RBNZ model development team.

As Senior Economic Data Scientist – Model Development, you will contribute to an upgrade of our core economic model to meet the evolving needs of the Economics Directorate and the Monetary Policy Committee.

In this role you will:

• Support high-quality data management and use within Economics, particularly focused on data storage, management, versioning and pipelines.

• Contribute to the development of our economic modelling capability, including effective use and interrogation of economic model outputs.

• Develop and implement infrastructure improvements to upgrade our forecast system.

• Work closely with model users and liaise with stakeholder across the RBNZ on relevant data solutions.

• Collaborate effectively within a small project team.

This is a fixed term role through to June 2029.

Ō pūkenga – About you

You are passionate about the contribution you can make to New Zealand’s economic wellbeing. You bring technical expertise and the desire to contribute to the development of our modelling capability and support effective monetary policy for all New Zealanders.

You will also bring: 

• A postgraduate degree in a relevant quantitative field.

• Great coding ability and experience building and maintaining data management systems, databases and pipelines.

• The ability to effectively collaborate, build relationships and communicate with stakeholders.

• Practical and pragmatic problem-solving ability.

• Ideally, an understanding of economic modelling and macroeconomics.

Ngā painga – What we offer

We have a broad range of responsibilities and great opportunities to match people across all stages of careers. We encourage an inclusive and positive workplace culture. We support flexible working and work-life balance. Our benefits include additional leave options, a wellness package, working from home equipment subsidy, generous parental leave provisions, learning and development opportunities, and access to numerous social, networking and sporting activities.

Ko wai matou – Who we are  

We are kaitiaki (guardians) of New Zealand’s financial ecosystem – enabling economic wellbeing and prosperity for all New Zealanders. We do this by providing money and cash, helping to keep prices stable and people in work, maintaining safe banking and underpinning the financial system that allows New Zealand to spend, save, insure and do business.  

We do all we can to support, a sustainable, productive and efficient economy built on integrity, innovation and inclusion. We are building diversity and inclusion into everything we do. Our differences seed our innovation and help us deliver our best work – reflective of the needs of society. We welcome and value knowledge of Te Ao Māori, Te Tiriti and Tikanga.  

Kōrero tāpiri – Additional information  

We welcome all people, and we want everyone to be able to equitably participate in our recruitment process. Get in touch with us if there are any barriers to you applying, or if you have access needs and require support or adjustments: email [email protected].

Me pēhea te tuku tono – Interested?  

Check out the job description for this role or email us at [email protected] for more info. You can also contact us if you need any accessibility support to apply for this role.  

Applications for this role close at 5pm on 23rd June 2026.  Please include a cover letter outlining why you think you will be a great fit for the role.  Whilst acknowledging the growing use of AI, we kindly ask that the information you provide outlines why you think you will be a great fit for this role.