Senior Policy Analyst
Date: 6 Jul 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.
Senior Policy Analyst
• Permanent.
• Wellington Based.
An awesome permanent Senior Policy Analyst opportunity available for candidates with at least 3-5 years policy experience wanting to work in one of Aotearoa New Zealand's largest government organisations!
Mō te tūnga / About the role
Are you passionate about shaping policies that make a real difference in New Zealand? MSDs Labour Market Policy team is looking for a talented senior policy analyst to join our team. Here, you'll have the opportunity to work on a diverse range of impactful projects and extend your policy expertise in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Mō te tīma / About our team
The team focuses on improving labour market outcomes for disadvantaged groups and supports people getting into and staying in work within Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Labour Market policy team partners with other government agencies and works closely with internal stakeholders delivering the Government’s Employment Action Plan and supporting the Government’s Going for Growth agenda.
The successful candidate will be part of a supportive team where collaboration and delivery of high-quality, actionable policy advice leads to better outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealanders. Staff wellbeing and work/life balance, as well as career development are a huge part of what makes this team amazing to be a part of.
We may also be accepting candidates for other policy teams.
Policy branch is made up of the following five groups:
• Welfare System and Income Support;
• Housing, Employment and Labour Market;
• Regional, Social and Inquiries;
• International, Disability and Generational; and
• Child Wellbeing and Poverty Reduction.
Mōu – Ngā Pūkenga me ngā Wheako / Skills and experience
- At least 3-5 years of experience in policy analysis
- A relevant degree demonstrating your critical thinking and analytical skills
- A systems thinker with experience leading cross agency projects
- Experience with regulatory and Budget processes
- Strong project management skills
- Experience coaching and mentoring junior members of staff
- Excellent communication abilities, both written and verbal
- Knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of te Tiriti o Waitangi as it applies in the public sector
- A curious mindset motivated by problem-solving and a commitment to continuous learning
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced policy environment.
Tā mātou e tuku ana / What we offer
• A work programme that is both interesting and challenging
• A supportive manager and a great team
• Competitive salary
• Flexible working arrangements where everyone feels valued
• A range of employee network groups and development and learning opportunities
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
Interested?
Embrace the opportunity to challenge yourself and grow by applying for the position, even if you feel you're not perfect – your potential and willingness to learn are what truly matter.
Position Description
Salary range: $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: Sunday 20th July, 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.
