Principal Data Analyst

About Us | Mō mātou

The Department of Internal Affairs is leading significant change to the way New Zealand supervises businesses for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Terrorism Financing. This includes changing from three supervisory agencies to becoming the single supervisor for all financial and other designated sectors. This involves shifting the way we supervise to focus more on risk and impact before New Zealand’s undergoes international evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Mutual Evaluation in 2028/29.

We're investing in our data capability to ensure decisions are informed by high-quality evidence, meaningful insights and robust performance information.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in a high-profile programme that will shape New Zealand's readiness and help demonstrate the strength of our AML/CFT system on the international stage.

The role | Te tūnga

This is not your typical reporting role.

You'll play a key role supporting our AML/CFT team, helping us understand regulatory performance, compliance trends, sector risks and operational outcomes. You'll work across complex datasets to transform information into insights that influence regulatory decision-making and help us target our efforts where they will have the greatest impact.

You will also support New Zealand's preparation for the 2028/29 FATF Mutual Evaluation. Working alongside colleagues across the Department, the NZ Police Financial Intelligence Unit, and the Ministry of Justice. You'll help bring together data from across the AML/CFT system and turn it into compelling, interactive dashboards that tell the story of New Zealand's effectiveness.

As our Principal Data Analyst, you'll do more than analyse data. You'll lead the analytical approach, influence how information is collected and interpreted, and help ensure decision-makers have confidence in the evidence that underpins critical regulatory and strategic decisions.

We're looking for someone who is naturally curious and not afraid to ask difficult questions. If the data doesn't look right, we want you to challenge it. If something doesn't make sense, we want you to dig deeper. Getting these right matters, and you'll be trusted to ensure the information we rely on is robust, defensible and tells the right story.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Bringing together data from multiple agencies and sources to create a coherent picture of system performance and effectiveness

• Analysing regulatory, operational and system-wide data to identify trends, risks and opportunities

• Supporting AML/CFT regulatory operations through evidence-based analysis and insights

• Presenting complex information in a way that is accessible and meaningful for operational, executive and cross-agency audiences

• Challenging assumptions, validating data and identifying anomalies to ensure confidence in the evidence base

• Providing analytical leadership, mentoring colleagues and championing best practice across the organisation

What you bring | Nōu te rourou

You'll be an exceptional analyst who combines advanced technical capability with sound judgement and intellectual curiosity.

You'll have:

• Advanced Power BI skills, including data modelling, DAX, dashboard design and visual storytelling

• Experience in or understanding of data lifecycle and data pipelines

• Experience working with large, complex and often imperfect or incomplete datasets

• A talent for turning data into insights that people can understand and act on

• A relentless focus on data quality and continuous improvement

• Confidence to challenge data, question assumptions and investigate anomalies

• Experience building strong relationships with stakeholders and influencing without authority

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences

• Experience working in government, regulatory, intelligence, compliance or risk environments would be highly advantageous

Most importantly, you'll be someone who genuinely enjoys finding the story behind the numbers and helping others make better decisions because of it.

For you | Mōu

At the Department of Internal Affairs, we are committed to offering a collaborative and innovative culture where your perspective and ideas will be welcomed. We want our people to thrive within a culture of best practice, while being able to set and achieve goals and being encouraged to challenge the status quo.

To learn more about the diverse, important mahi we do at the Department and see why we're a great place to work check out our website https://www.dia.govt.nz/

Benefits - About Internal Affairs - Careers with us - Benefits - dia.govt.nz

The appointing range for this role is $128,885 - $147,297

To review the full job description, please click here.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

We are unable to accept applications via email. Please click the apply button to submit your application.

We're committed to ensuring our application process is accessible to everyone. Please let us know if there is any support we can provide to ensure the process is accessible to you.

Applications for this role close 5pm Tuesday, 24 November 2026. Please also note that you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this role.

If you have any questions, please email Cindy.Ko@dia.govt.nz