Policy Analyst - Child and Youth Policy Team
Date: 2 Aug 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
About the role | Mō te tūnga
The Child and Youth Policy team has a diverse work programme, which focuses on children and young people up to the age of 24 years old. Some of the areas we’re involved in include providing policy advice to support:
• young people not in education, employment, or training, or young people receiving a Youth Payment or Young Parent Payment through the Youth Service
• children and young people as they transition or age out of Oranga Tamariki care to services provided by MSD, which includes supporting carers of these children through financial assistance and other types of services
• the Children’s Commissioner and Independent Children’s Monitor, which together with the Ombudsman have oversight and monitoring of the children’s system, and
• New Zealand’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
This team is part of a busy Policy Branch. There’s a great vibe across the Branch where people are focused on delivering high quality policy advice in a positive, supportive team environment. We work hard to ensure policy settings are responsive to the diverse needs and wellbeing of New Zealanders while maintaining a strong focus on staff wellbeing and personal work/life balance. We pride ourselves on investing in developing and supporting staff to reach their full potential.
We may also be accepting candidates for other policy teams. MSD’s Policy branch is made up of the following groups:
• Regional, Social and Inquiries
• International, Disability and Generational
• Housing, Employment and Labour Market
• Welfare System and Income Support
• Child Wellbeing and Poverty Reduction
• Transformation
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga
We are looking for someone who will fit our collegial, supportive culture, and have the action orientation to shape and lead on policy work that is a priority for Ministers and our Chief Executive.
• We're keen to hear from motivated Policy Analysts with a track record in policy advice.
• We're looking for great people skills as you'll be working with stakeholders across our organisation and externally.
• We're keen on people who will fit our collegial, supportive culture, and have the action orientation to shape, lead and contribute to policy work that is a priority for Ministers and our Chief Executive.
• You'll need strong analytical and critical thinking ability and excellent judgement.
What we offer | Tā mātou e tuku ana
We are a large organisation with policies and services that support most New Zealanders at some point in their life – from Childcare Assistance to Public Housing to Superannuation.
We work collaboratively with the service delivery groups of our Ministry and with our policy colleagues across government, to ensure fit for purpose policies – you can see the policies you’ve developed right through to operational implementation.
Our practice is guided by a foundation of shared cultural behaviours that has embedded a positive and supportive working environment.
We are committed to building diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in our workplace.
We can offer flexible working arrangements to suit individual needs.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $79,200.00 - $95,873.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Sunday 16th August, 2026.
About us | Mō mātou
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.
We provide social policy advice to government, and assistance including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.
As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
Before you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment
To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.
Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process. Please highlight how your skills and experience relate to the key responsibilities listed in the position description and job advertisement.
All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at jobs@msd.govt.nz
Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.
Joining us | Ko te hono mai
Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents.
We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. You can find out more about our values here.
If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.
