Principal Economist at NZ WorkSafe, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

About the role

The Systems Strategies team leads alignment with other agencies, provides strategic advice on the health and safety system and WorkSafe priorities, shapes effective interventions to prevent harm and build system capability, and monitors system performance.

As the team continues to refine the way they work, we are looking for a passionate, skilled, leader to join our supportive team. The Principal Economist role will lead the charge on building and refining models for assessing the social economic costs and benefits of harm prevention interventions and support our efforts to make the best investment choices to reduce harm. This role will give the right person who is enthusiastic about making New Zealand workplaces healthy and safe the opportunity to put in the mahi to create unique pieces of work that will directly impact this.

Responsibilities of the Principal Economist will include:

• Developing, consulting on, and championing a framework for robust cost-benefit analysis (CBA)
• Providing leadership, expertise, and advice to help good harm prevention investment decision making
• Engaging with counterparts in other relevant agencies to share and refine methods and approaches for CBA and return on investments
• Proactively working with WorkSafe's Te Pou Ora team to understand the impacts of specific interventions on Māori workers, whānau and iwi

We're looking for someone who has:

• A proven track record in senior economics roles and has demonstrated the ability to take a social investment lens to work
• Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills 
  
• A highly organised, disciplined, patient and methodical approach to problem solving
• The ability to co-create frameworks to solve complex issues
• Demonstrated strong thought leadership, sound economic advice, and relationship building at all levels

About WorkSafe

WorkSafe New Zealand, Mahi Haumaru Aotearoa, is the primary workplace health and safety regulator – our vision is that everyone who goes to work comes home healthy and safe.  Our people are passionate about our vision and embrace and demonstrate our WorkSafe Values - Ngā Mātāpono: 

• Whakakotahi – we're united in a strong purpose 
• Kōrero mai – we engage meaningfully 
• Tiakina mai - we're entrusted with a duty of care. 

WorkSafe offer a range of benefits including free life, trauma and income protection insurances, discounts on health insurance and eye care, four weeks annual leave plus three days WorkSafe leave, and learning and professional development opportunities. We operate on a flexible by default basis, allowing you and your manager to create a flexible work experience that supports you and the business to succeed.

There are a range of networks you can become part of, such as our Te Rōpū Atuapiko Rainbow Network, WorkSafe Pacific Network, WorkSafe Wahine Women's Network and our Kapa Haka group.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirement

WorkSafe's COVID-19 Vaccination Policy is under review. Currently all employees are required to be vaccinated and new employees will be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior to commencing employment.

How to apply

Click the apply link, complete an application form and submit a copy of your CV and cover letter.

For further information please contact careers@worksafe.govt.nz with any queries, or to find out more about WorkSafe New Zealand go to www.worksafe.govt.nz

Applications close on 25 May 2022