Senior Policy Analyst - Employment Policy Team

Apply now »

Date: 14 Apr 2026

Location: Wellington, NZ

Company: Ministry of Social Development

 

Senior Policy Analyst - Employment Policy Team

 

  • Fixed Term, Internal or External Secondment opportunity through to April 2027
  • Wellington based
  • Salary range: $113,496 - $137,794

About the role | Mō te tūnga

 

As a Senior Policy Analyst, you will sit within the Employment Policy team, which focuses on supporting people getting into, and staying in, work within Aotearoa New Zealand. 

 

Helping more people into employment is a key priority of the Government.  The Employment Policy team provides policy advice to support this priority and MSD’s employment service, including employment programmes for people who are disadvantaged in the labour market.

 

The Employment Policy team works closely with other teams within the organisation as well as partnering with other government agencies and key external stakeholders. This includes work to improve the functioning of the welfare system and effectiveness of government investment.

 

We are a busy, diverse and friendly team. You will be part of a wider supportive policy branch where collegiality and delivery of high-quality policy advice lead to better outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealanders. 

 

Our people are focused on delivering high quality policy advice in a positive, supportive team environment. We focus on staff wellbeing and personal work and life balance. We pride ourselves on investing in developing and supporting our staff to reach their full potential.

Skills and Experience | Mōu – Ngā Pūkenga me ngā Wheako

 

We're keen to hear from motivated senior analysts with a track record in policy advice.

 

To be successful in this role you will have:

 

  • strong analytical and critical thinking ability and excellent judgement.
  • great people skills as you'll be working with stakeholders across our organisation and externally.
  • leadership ability and experience in providing advice on complex issues, along with the skills and an interest in coaching and developing others.
  • a collegial and supportive approach that fits our team culture.
  • an understanding of Te Ao Māori and commitment to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

What are the Benefits of working in Policy at MSD?

 

  • We are a large organisation with policies and services that support most New Zealanders at some point in their life.
  • We work collaboratively with the service delivery groups of our Ministry and with our policy colleagues across government, to ensure fit for purpose policies.
  • Our practice is guided by a foundation of shared cultural behaviours which has embedded a positive and supportive working environment.
  • We have a strategic direction – Te Pae Tawhiti – that sets out a strong vision and purpose for MSD.
  • Flexible working arrangements where everyone feels valued & supported
     

 

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

Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga

 

A copy of the position description can be found here: Senior Policy Analyst position description

 

Application close: Sunday, 26 April 2026

Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $113,496.00 - $137,794.00

 

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 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 an 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.
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.