About the role | Mō te tūnga:

Are you passionate about supporting and influencing social change for families, whanau, and individuals across Aotearoa New Zealand? 

We are seeking motivated and inquiring Policy Analysts and Senior Policy Analysts to join our Regional, Social and Inquiries policy group here at the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). We will provide you with a range of diverse experiences, from being involved in supporting short-term tangible change through to influencing longer-term strategic work. You will work both across MSD and with a range of agencies and stakeholders.

Within the Regional, Social and Inquiries Policy Group we have vacancies in the following teams: 
•    Regional and Communities Policy. 
•    Strategy and Inquiries Policy. 
•    Social Impact Policy. 

The Regional and Communities Policy team provides meaningful policy advice to Government Ministers on a range of priority social policy issues relating to emergency management, organised crime, the Regional Public Service Leadership Framework and food security issues. Across the group, we work closely with a range of stakeholders including our Māori, Communities and Partnerships team within MSD and other government departments including the National Emergency Management Agency and the Police. 

The Strategy and Inquiries Policy team supports MSD’s policy response to various external independent inquiries, including the Waitangi Tribunal’s Kaupapa Inquiry programme and the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. We’re keen to hear from candidates with strong Te Tiriti o Waitangi / Treaty of Waitangi analysis skills and experience in Māori Crown Relations.

The Social Impact Policy team is responsible for policy development and advice on a wide range of social policy initiatives. For example, providing advice on care safety in response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care, leading policy advice in relation to the Social Workers Registration Act 2003 and supporting the social worker workforce; providing policy support for Family Violence and Sexual Violence (FVSV) work, and leading advice on social cohesion in New Zealand.

We may also be accepting candidates for other policy teams. MSD’s Policy branch is made up of the following five groups: 
•    Regional, Social and Inquiries. 
•    International, Disability and Generational. 
•    Housing, Employment and Labour Market. 
•    Welfare System and Income Support.
•    Child Wellbeing and Poverty Reduction.

What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:

•    We're keen to hear from motivated Policy Analysts and Senior 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.  

If you’re considering the Senior Policy Analyst role, we’ll also expect you to demonstrate: 
•    leadership ability and experience in providing advice on complex issues along with the skills and an interest in coaching and developing others;
•    skills in building relationships and leading engagement with stakeholders, both internally and externally to the Ministry; and
•    experience in enhancing the team's capability, including supporting junior staff with their projects.
 

The qualities we value in candidates for both all roles are:
•    Strong analytical skills.
•    Clear communication skills, particularly strong writing skills.
•    Collaborative working style.
•    Perseverance.
•    Curiosity and critical thinking.
•    Understanding of te Ao Māori and commitment to upholding Te Tiriti Waitangi.

Working here | Te mahi ki konei:

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 develop social policy and provide advice to government and work with and help fund providers in the community. We also deliver social services 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 work towards supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations. We aim to acknowledge and be guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and to pursue the following values in our work:

Manaaki – We care about the wellbeing and success of people
Mahi tahi – We work together, making a difference for communities
Whānau – We are inclusive and build a sense of belonging and place
Tika me te pono – We do the right thing with integrity

 This team is part of a busy Policy Branch. The branch has a supportive team environment where people are focused on delivering high quality policy advice. We work hard to ensure policy settings reflect 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 and supporting staff to reach their full potential.

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
•    Pasefika Helava
•    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.

If you like variety in your work, and enjoy contributing to a friendly, collaborative team environment, we welcome your application. 

Please include in your cover letter whether you have a preference for a particular team. 

Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:

Policy Analyst Position Description

Senior Policy Analyst Position Description

Salary | Utu-ā-tau:

Senior Policy Analyst Salary range: $113,496 - $137,794

Policy Analyst Salary range: $79,200  - $95,873