Senior Policy Analyst

About the role | Mō te tūnga

Are you interested in complex policy issues that span the social sector? Do you enjoy working with colleagues across government to improve outcomes? Are you passionate about making a difference for young New Zealanders? 

The Child Wellbeing and Poverty Reduction Group is steward of the legislative frameworks for reducing child poverty and improving child wellbeing through the Child and Youth Strategy. We provide policy advice to the Minister for Child Poverty Reduction on reducing material hardship and developing and implementing the Strategy. We also support Child and Youth Ministers and social sector Chief Executives to oversee and drive cross-agency work focused on improving children’s outcomes. We work with colleagues and stakeholders across and beyond government on short- and long-term policy issues.

This group is one of five in the 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.

What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga

We’re keen to hear from motivated senior policy analysts with experience working on system-level policy issues, who will fit our collegial, supportive culture and have the action orientation to shape and lead on complex, cross-agency policy work.

You will need:

• strong analytical and critical thinking ability and excellent judgement
• the ability to hit your stride quickly and maintain momentum
• a track record in providing quality policy advice within central government
• excellent written and oral communication skills
• strong relationship building skills and experience working across government agencies to achieve results
• understanding of te ao Māori and commitment to upholding the Treaty of Waitangi
• experience leading and coaching others to deliver high-quality work. 

The qualities we value in candidates are:

• curiosity
• perseverance
• clear communication
• a collaborative working style.

What we offer | Tā mātou e tuku ana

We are a large Ministry with policies and services that support most New Zealanders at some point in their life – from childcare assistance to social housing to superannuation. 

Our practice is guided by a foundation of shared cultural behaviours which has embedded a positive and supportive working environment.
 

We have a new strategic direction – Te Pae Tawhiti – that sets out a strong vision and purpose for MSD.

We are committed to building diversity, accessibility and inclusion in our workplace.  

As a Treaty of 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.
 
We are committed to building diversity, accessibility and inclusion in our workplace. We can offer flexible working arrangements.

Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga

Please view the position description here: Senior Policy Analyst - Child Wellbeing and Poverty Reduction Group position description

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