Policy Analyst
Date: 24 May 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
• Wellington based
• 8 months Secondment/Fixed term.
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 respond to challenges raised by independent reviews/inquiries, such as the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care?
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 role | Mō te tūnga:
We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated, passionate, and inquiring Policy Analyst to join the Regional, Social and Inquiries Policy Group here at the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).
Within the Regional, Social and Inquiries Policy Group, we have a fixed term 8 months Policy Analyst vacancy in the Social Impact Team.
The role requires strong internal and cross-agency engagement, analysis and advice provision.
The Social Impact team is responsible for policy development and advice relating to a wide range of social policy including care system leadership, the Social Workers Registration Act, the social worker workforce, Family Violence and Sexual Violence and social cohesion in New Zealand.
The team performs a range of functions, including:
• Considering proactively how MSD can respond to issues and opportunities across the social sector and building an appropriate policy work programme
• Working with other parts of MSD and across government to develop high quality social policy advice
• Analysing the inputs and outputs of related reviews, inquiries and engagement to ensure this knowledge is incorporated into current and future policy analysis and advice
• Advising senior government leaders and Ministers
The skills and experience we value in a candidate include strong relationship management and communication skills, experience in cross agency working groups, as well as the ability to effectively coordinate and collate internal feedback. We also value strong analytical skills and the ability to apply policy frameworks.
To excel in this role, you should have a relevant educational background, excellent analytical and communication skills, and be solutions focused.
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 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.
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:
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, 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 7th June, 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.
