Policy Analyst Roles - Older Peoples Policy and International Policy teams

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Date: 24 Feb 2026

Location: Wellington, NZ

Company: Ministry of Social Development

•    Wellington based
•    Permanent opportunity  

 

Are you passionate about supporting and influencing social change for families, whanau, and individuals across Aotearoa New Zealand? Do you enjoy complex policy issues, that intersect international affairs and New Zealand’s social security system and are you interested in bilateral negotiations, or international engagement?

 

About us | Mō mātou:
 
The Ministry of Social Development 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 and 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.

 

 

About the roles | Mō te tūnga:

 

We have an exciting opportunity for two motivated, passionate, and inquiring Policy Analysts to join our Older Peoples Policy team and International Policy team at the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). 

 

Older Peoples Policy 
As one in five New Zealanders will be over the age of 65 by 2034, the Older Peoples Policy team is focused on addressing critical social policy issues related to this growing population group.

The team leads work on New Zealand Superannuation and the SuperGold Card, alongside strategic policy issues, to ensure that social supports and services across Government provide equitable opportunities to older people now and in the future. As a Policy Analyst in the team, you will be responsible for tackling some of New Zealand's biggest strategic challenges around an ageing population, including through progressing analysis and advice on older people experiencing multiple disadvantage. Responding to actions in the government’s Better Later Life Action Plan 2025-2028 is a priority for the team. 

 

International Policy Team 
The International Policy team leads New Zealand’s programme of Social Security Agreement negotiations and develops policy on the social security entitlements of New Zealanders living overseas. We assess how overseas pensions and benefits interact with New Zealand’s system and provide advice to ensure people receive the correct entitlements. The team also monitors international developments that could affect our social security settings and manages MSD’s international obligations and relationships to support a fair, consistent, and internationally aligned system. As a Policy Analyst you will be involved in all aspects of our work programme.

 

To excel in these roles, you should have a relevant educational background, excellent analytical and communication skills, and the ability to think outside the box.

 

We offer a range of diverse experiences from short to long-term work, the opportunity to brief Ministers, and access to an array of learning and development opportunities. In addition, we provide a supportive, flexible and inclusive culture in our teams that encourages collaboration, professional growth but most importantly – fun!
 

If you want to make a difference for older New Zealanders and have the skills and experience we are looking for, then we encourage you to apply today. 

What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:

  • Experience in policy or related work and familiarity with government and policy processes.
  • Ability to provide or contribute to advice that is clear, well-reasoned and politically neutral
  • Ability to analyse complex issues and communicate clearly in accessible ways.
  • Strong relationship-building skills and a collaborative approach. working collaboratively on projects both within and across agencies and with international partners.
  • A working knowledge of social policy initiatives and some community or international engagement experience would be an advantage.

 

The qualities we value in a candidate include: 

  • Strong analytical skills
  • Clear communication skills
  • Collaborative working style
  • Perseverance
  • Curiosity and critical thinking
  • Understanding of te Ao Māori and commitment to upholding Te Tiriti Waitangi

What we offer | Tā mātou e tuku ana:

 

It is important to us to:

•    prioritise your wellbeing and development
•    provide a flexible working environment where you can learn from a supportive and collegial team of experienced policy professionals
•    develop your career though the opportunities that come from a broad and varied work programme and our commitment to your ongoing professional development
•    collaborate and support each other and we make sure everyone has the chance to develop and to take on new challenges
•    value diversity of thinking and background – this informs the creation of responsive policy that reflects the communities we serve.
 
MSD has several employee-led networks that build a sense of community for our people so that they can contribute, belong and thrive. Our employee-led networks include, but are not limited to:
 
•    National Office Māori Staff Network - Te Tini ō te Raurearea
•    Disablednetwork@MSD
•    Proud@MSD
•    Women’s Network
•    Pan Asian Network.
 

MSD is a CareWise employer. We commit to showing manaaki to people in our MSD whānau with caring commitments.

Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:

Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $79,200.00 - $95,873.00

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.  AI tools can be useful for researching and refining your application. If you use AI to help with your CV or cover letter, please make sure the content still reflects you and includes your own achievements and experience. AI can sometimes produce incorrect information, so remember to proofread and personalise your application. 

 

Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description. 

 

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.

 

Closing date: Sunday 8th March, 2026. 

 

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. We are a Treaty partner committed to strengthening relationships with Māori, Hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.


If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.