Job Description
Full job description
Mo te turanga mahi | About the role
We are looking for an experienced Principal Economist to join our Strategy, Stewardship and Performance (SSP) business group. The role reports directly to the General Manager, Science and Evidence.
This role recognises the importance of economics as part of the evidence base that will inform MfE's policy advice. The focus will be on our RM work programme initially and will also be across different systems (including Waste and Resource Efficiency; Climate Adaptation; Marine; Environmental Knowledge and Data).
The role is pivotal and will support a key deliverable under our Strategic Framework which ensures decision makers have a full and balanced account of environmental, social and economic costs and benefits.
Responsibilities include:
providing high quality economic analysis to support the delivery of policy advice to the government, with advice on different ways to achieve specific outcomes, market impacts, risk and implications
working with/mentor peers working on cost-benefit analysis and other products required to inform Ministry policy advice, including strategy and performance targets, and support for specific project analysis
providing advice on key economic and data metrics critical to understanding the effectiveness of different policy interventions
playing a key role in developing economic analysis capabilities across SSP and MfE more broadly, forming part of the economics community of practice.
Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experience
Our ideal candidate will bring:
Quantitative analytical and modelling skills.
Advanced expertise in economic theories, economic analysis, quantitative methods and use of economic frameworks and evaluation methodologies to evaluate policy interventions.
Sound knowledge of the systems that MfE stewards, particularly the resource management legislation and system.
Expertise in resource allocation efficiency, including natural resources and ecosystem services, and market-led interventions.
Experienced in innovative economic thinking about opportunities for system change.
Demonstrated ability to present analysis clearly to a wide variety of audiences, often within tight timeframes.
Excellent communication skills both written and verbal, as well as the ability to partner well with others and positively influence outcomes.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with a wide variety of stakeholders and work as part of cross-disciplinary teams.
The ability to work comfortably in an environment of ambiguity.
Tertiary qualification in Economics or Post Graduate qualification (desirable).
Whanuitanga Utu a-Tau | Salary range
Salary range for this role is $140,222 to $170,467 pa. Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience.
Nga hua ka puta i te mahi ki MfE | Benefits of working at MfE
a flexible working approach to embrace a healthy work-life blend
agile ways of working, allowing you variety and challenges across the organisation as we work as `One MfE'
active employee networks including Maori Ropu, Asian Network, Neurodivergent and Disability Networks, Women's Network, Tagata Moana (Pacific Peoples' Network), and Rainbow Network
opportunities for development and education.
Check out other benefits of joining us and hear what our people say about Working at MfE | Ministry for the Environment.
Tono inaianei | Apply now
Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and cover letter. Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.
If you require further information about this position please contact Ngaire Howes at [email protected]. The position description is available via our careers centre www.mfe.govt.nz/jobs.
The location for this role is flexible which means you can work anywhere in New Zealand and there is an option to work from home. As a flexible friendly employer, we are happy to discuss solutions that may work for you and the business. We value and care about enabling our people to work in a way that means they can work at their best.
We are committed to providing equal opportunities and actively strive to be a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture. We actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. We are proud to be a Rainbow Tick and Gender Tick certified organisation and are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
We want to ensure any accessibility needs you may have are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all. Therefore, please let us know if there are any adjustments or support we can offer to make the recruitment process more accessible to you. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to discuss any accessibility needs you may have.
You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.
Ra Katinga | Applications close: Tuesday, 10 June 2026
Mo te turanga mahi | About the role
We are looking for an experienced Principal Economist to join our Strategy, Stewardship and Performance (SSP) business group. The role reports directly to the General Manager, Science and Evidence.
This role recognises the importance of economics as part of the evidence base that will inform MfE's policy advice. The focus will be on our RM work programme initially and will also be across different systems (including Waste and Resource Efficiency; Climate Adaptation; Marine; Environmental Knowledge and Data).
The role is pivotal and will support a key deliverable under our Strategic Framework which ensures decision makers have a full and balanced account of environmental, social and economic costs and benefits.
Responsibilities include:
providing high quality economic analysis to support the delivery of policy advice to the government, with advice on different ways to achieve specific outcomes, market impacts, risk and implications
working with/mentor peers working on cost-benefit analysis and other products required to inform Ministry policy advice, including strategy and performance targets, and support for specific project analysis
providing advice on key economic and data metrics critical to understanding the effectiveness of different policy interventions
playing a key role in developing economic analysis capabilities across SSP and MfE more broadly, forming part of the economics community of practice.
Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experience
Our ideal candidate will bring:
Quantitative analytical and modelling skills.
Advanced expertise in economic theories, economic analysis, quantitative methods and use of economic frameworks and evaluation methodologies to evaluate policy interventions.
Sound knowledge of the systems that MfE stewards, particularly the resource management legislation and system.
Expertise in resource allocation efficiency, including natural resources and ecosystem services, and market-led interventions.
Experienced in innovative economic thinking about opportunities for system change.
Demonstrated ability to present analysis clearly to a wide variety of audiences, often within tight timeframes.
Excellent communication skills both written and verbal, as well as the ability to partner well with others and positively influence outcomes.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with a wide variety of stakeholders and work as part of cross-disciplinary teams.
The ability to work comfortably in an environment of ambiguity.
Tertiary qualification in Economics or Post Graduate qualification (desirable).
Whanuitanga Utu a-Tau | Salary range
Salary range for this role is $140,222 to $170,467 pa. Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience.
Nga hua ka puta i te mahi ki MfE | Benefits of working at MfE
a flexible working approach to embrace a healthy work-life blend
agile ways of working, allowing you variety and challenges across the organisation as we work as `One MfE'
active employee networks including Maori Ropu, Asian Network, Neurodivergent and Disability Networks, Women's Network, Tagata Moana (Pacific Peoples' Network), and Rainbow Network
opportunities for development and education.
Check out other benefits of joining us and hear what our people say about Working at MfE | Ministry for the Environment.
Tono inaianei | Apply now
Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and cover letter. Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.
If you require further information about this position please contact Ngaire Howes at [email protected]. The position description is available via our careers centre www.mfe.govt.nz/jobs.
The location for this role is flexible which means you can work anywhere in New Zealand and there is an option to work from home. As a flexible friendly employer, we are happy to discuss solutions that may work for you and the business. We value and care about enabling our people to work in a way that means they can work at their best.
We are committed to providing equal opportunities and actively strive to be a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture. We actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. We are proud to be a Rainbow Tick and Gender Tick certified organisation and are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
We want to ensure any accessibility needs you may have are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all. Therefore, please let us know if there are any adjustments or support we can offer to make the recruitment process more accessible to you. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to discuss any accessibility needs you may have.
You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.
Ra Katinga | Applications close: Tuesday, 10 June 2026
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Taiohanga Matamua | Principal Economist position is now open for candidates interested in the Work from home Jobs sector. This role in Auckland offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Work from home Jobs is a plus.
