Senior Policy Analyst - International Policy
Date: 13 Oct 2025
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
About us
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:
• Permanent Role
• Wellington Based
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Policy Analyst to join our International Policy team at the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).
Do you enjoy complex policy issues, that intersect international affairs and New Zealand’s social security system? Are you interested in bilateral negotiations, or multilateral engagement?
We are looking for a Senior Policy Analyst to help lead policy advice on the international settings of New Zealand’s social security system, and to lead international engagement to support New Zealanders to be safe, strong and independent.
The International Policy team is delivering an ambitious programme of work to negotiate New Zealand’s Social Security Agreements, to develop policy and advice on social security entitlements for New Zealanders living overseas, and the impact of overseas benefits and pensions on NZ entitlements. The team also leads on navigating the impacts of international developments on the social security system and manages MSD’s international obligations and relationships.
The International Policy team is part of a busy, diverse and friendly 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 New Zealanders’ diverse needs and wellbeing while also focussing 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 four groups:
• Regional, Social and Inquiries
• International, Disability and Generational
• Housing, Employment and Climate
• Welfare System and Income Support
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:
We are looking for a highly motivated Senior Policy Analyst with experience in solving complex problems and formulating high-quality policy advice for a range of stakeholders and projects. Ideally you will have:
• strong analytical and critical thinking ability with excellent judgement
• a demonstrated ability to navigate complex and diverse issues and relationships with sensitivity to the political context
• experience leading complex policy programmes and providing high quality policy advice within central government
• strong relationship skills and experience leading domestic and international engagement
• experience leading negotiations with internal and external stakeholders
• a demonstrated passion for leading and coaching others to deliver high-quality work
• proven ability to work through ambiguity and deliver results
• proven ability to interpret and contribute to the development of legislation and regulatory frameworks
We are interested in hearing about any form of experience, in policy or otherwise, you might have that would contribute to this role.
The qualities we value in a candidate include:
• Strong analytical skills
• Clear communication skills, particularly strong writing skills
• Collaborative working style
• Perseverance and resilience
• Curiosity and critical thinking
• Understanding of te Ao Māori and commitment to upholding Te Tiriti Waitangi
Organisation environment / Te taiao o te rōpū
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.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $113,496.00 - $137,794.00
How to apply
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: Tuesday 21st October, 2025.
Joining us
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.
MSD has a COVID-19 vaccination policy that encourages, but does not require, employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and its variants, unless the role is identified as requiring vaccination at the time.
