Senior Policy Analyst
Date: 11 Jun 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
- Permanent full time opportunity
- Wellington based
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:
Are you passionate about making a difference for New Zealanders?
We are seeking motivated and experienced Senior Policy Analysts to join the Disability Policy Team at the Ministry of Social Development / Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora (MSD).
We provide balanced and robust advice on system-level settings to help disabled people and their families access effective MSD supports and services. Current high-priority projects include contributing to the Crown’s response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care and reviewing two pieces of legislation.
We work closely with our operational colleagues across the business, with our DSS Policy colleagues, and across the wider Policy Group. 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, developing and supporting staff to reach their full potential.
The wider Policy Branch provides advice to several Ministerial portfolios, including: social development and employment; child wellbeing and poverty reduction; disability issues; housing; seniors; and youth. The Policy Branch works closely with other teams within the Ministry as well as other government agencies and key external stakeholders.
Please note: this is a full-time, permanent opportunity and based in Wellington.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:
We are looking for experienced policy professionals who can lead complex, strategic policy projects, land advice with Ministers, and build and maintain effective relationships across MSD and wider government.
We're keen to hear from motivated Senior Policy Analysts who 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.
We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate:
• strong analytical and critical thinking ability, with a track record of leading and producing quality policy advice on complex issues
• ability to navigate ambiguity
• clear communication skills
• excellent judgement
• great people skills and ability to manage stakeholders, internally and externally
• the ability to coach junior staff and contribute to building the capability of people in your team
• understanding of te Ao Māori and commitment to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
The qualities we value in candidates are:
• curiosity
• drive for excellence
• ability to self-manage and work at pace
• perseverance and resilience under pressure
• a team player who contributes to a positive team culture
• collaborative working style.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
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 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 23rd 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.
