Economist / Senior Economist (24-month Fixed Term)

Help shape the future of New Zealand dairy farming

At DairyNZ, economics isn't just about analysing numbers, it's about helping farmers make better decisions.

We're looking for an Economist or Senior Economist to join our team for a 24-month fixed-term contract. Whether you're looking for an Economist or Senior Economist role, we're looking for someone who can combine strong economic thinking with exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.

This is a role for someone who enjoys turning complex economic analysis into practical insights that farmers, industry leaders and decision-makers can understand and act on.

If you're equally comfortable analysing data, facilitating conversations, presenting to a room full of farmers and influencing strategic thinking, we'd love to hear from you.

What you'll be doing

You'll work across a diverse range of economic projects, helping DairyNZ understand the opportunities and challenges facing New Zealand dairy farming.

You'll:

• Deliver economic analysis that informs farmer, industry and organisational decisions.
• Translate complex economic concepts into clear, practical and engaging insights.
• Work alongside scientists, farm systems specialists and data experts to solve real-world challenges.
• Build trusted relationships with farmers, rural professionals and industry partners.
• Present your work at farmer events, workshops and industry forums.
• Help shape DairyNZ's economic thinking and contribute to the future direction of the sector. 

We're looking for someone who…

We're less interested in whether you've spent five years or fifteen years as an economist. What matters most is your ability to connect with people and communicate ideas.

You'll likely bring:

• A qualification in Economics, Agricultural Economics or a related discipline.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding communication skills, you enjoy making complex ideas simple.
• Confidence presenting, facilitating discussions and building relationships.
• Curiosity about farming, people and what drives decision-making.
• The ability to influence through credibility, collaboration and great storytelling.
• A genuine desire to spend time with farmers and understand the realities of farming businesses.

Experience in agriculture or dairy is an advantage, but it's not essential if you're excited to learn.

Why this role is different

This isn't a role where you'll disappear behind a spreadsheet.

We're looking for someone who enjoys getting out on farm, hearing directly from farmers, testing ideas and translating economic evidence into practical action.

You'll become a trusted voice. Someone who helps farmers, industry and DairyNZ make sense of complex issues and opportunities. Whether you're presenting at a field day, facilitating a discussion group, contributing to industry strategy or producing economic insights, you'll help shape conversations that matter.

Why DairyNZ?

At DairyNZ you'll work alongside leading scientists, economists and industry experts who are passionate about progressing a positive future for New Zealand dairy farming.

You'll have the opportunity to work on meaningful challenges, collaborate across disciplines and make a genuine difference to New Zealand's largest export sector.

Apply now and be part of a team shaping the future of dairy farming. 

Check out the full position description here to read more detail. Applications close 14 August 2026 at 11:55pm