Senior Research Advisor / Kaitohutohu Rangahau Matua

Te tīma | The Team

The Research Services team sits within the Parliamentary Library | Te Pātaka Rangahau. We provide high-quality, impartial research and information to Members of Parliament, their support staff, select committees, and other parliamentary agencies.

Our work spans policy and technical areas, and our team is known for being collaborative, customer-focused, and deeply committed to delivering information that supports informed decision-making at the highest level.

Mō te tūnga | About the Role

As a Senior Research Adviser, you’ll play a key role in empowering the Research Services Team by coaching colleagues, contributing to complex research and information gathering, and ensuring quality standards are met.

You’ll:

• Lead and support research and analysis for MPs, committees, and internal stakeholders
• Coach and mentor researchers and advisers—building skills, confidence, and capability across the team
• Provide peer review and technical guidance to maintain high standards and continuous improvement
• Support Research Leads with quality assurance, service development, and innovation
• Use your subject knowledge to contribute to briefings, products, and committee work
• Champion a strong customer service ethos and build strong relationships across Parliament

Ngā haepapa | Key Responsibilities

• Deliver timely, relevant, and well-communicated research and information across a broad range of topics
• Analyse, model, and interpret complex information, including financial and policy data
• Support the implementation of quality assurance initiatives and peer review processes
• Collaborate across the Parliamentary Library and wider Parliamentary Service to support outreach and innovation
• Guide colleagues through coaching, mentoring, and feedback
• Build and grow knowledge and contribute to the Research Team’s key focus areas including enhancing our work with select committees and our data strategy.

Tō kete | What You Will Bring

• Curiosity and strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with a proven ability to synthesise complex information
• Experience mentoring or coaching others and building team capability
• Experience with both qualitative and quantitative research
• Experience providing research in policy, public sector, or parliamentary contexts
• Exceptional communication skills - both written and verbal - with a customer-focused mindset
• Comfort working with ambiguity, managing deadlines, and impartially navigating politically sensitive issues
• Ability to work on multiple tasks and build relationships with different teams here at Parliament
• Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline
• A strong understanding of the parliamentary or political environment is desirable

Ngā pūkenga, wheako anō ka whai hua | Bonus skills and experience

• Advanced knowledge of Excel or experience with PowerBI, programming languages (R or Python) and/or AI tools.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What’s in it for You?

We offer a range of benefits including 5 weeks annual leave, access to an on-site gym and pool, learning and development opportunities and flexible working arrangements. Our ever-changing environment allows us to be part of the action at Parliament including attending question time, select committees and other key events. We offer a thorough induction, on-going development, and excellent working conditions.

Please note: This is a full-time role. The salary range for this position is $95,496 - $105,453 per annum, with the potential for the salary to exceed this range based on skills and experience.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply:

Applications close at midnight on Friday 15 August 2025. To apply, please submit your application online. For more information or any assistance, contact Fredwyn.Kisona@parliament.govt.nz for a confidential kōrero.

Note to Recruitment Agencies: We are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time. Unsolicited CVs received without written confirmation from Parliament's talent team will not be considered, and Parliamentary Service is not responsible for any associated fees.