Policy Analyst, Community-Led Commissioning

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Date: 2 Nov 2026

Location: Wellington, NZ

Company: Ministry of Social Development

 

  • Help shape how government invests in services to improve outcomes for New Zealanders. 
  • Build your policy career through high-impact work, Ministerial advice and cross-agency collaboration. 
  • Two opportunities in a Wellington-based team, with flexible working arrangements. 

 

It's an exciting time to join us as we lead change across the public service to implement social investment and support Government to achieve better outcomes from social sector spending. 

 

Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the role

 

Want to work on policy that moves beyond advice and into practical change? 

 

We have two opportunities for Policy Analysts to join our Community-Led Commissioning System Enablement team, supporting a significant programme of work that is shaping how government commissions, funds and measures social services. 

 

You'll work alongside experienced policy, data, economics and commissioning specialists to turn evidence and emerging insights into practical advice, guidance and tools that support better investment decisions. 

 

This is an opportunity to develop your policy expertise while contributing to work that has a real impact on how services are designed and delivered. 

 

You will: 

 

  • Prepare high-quality policy advice, briefings and regular Ministerial reporting to support senior decision-making. 

  • Analyse evidence, identify policy options and contribute to practical guidance, standards and frameworks for community-led commissioning. 

  • Work across teams and agencies to bring together different perspectives, identify risks and support the delivery of a high-priority programme. 

 

You'll be joining a collaborative, fast-paced team where priorities can evolve, ideas are tested and your contribution will help turn policy into action. 

He kōrero mōu | About you

 

We're looking for Policy Analysts who are curious, organised and motivated by the opportunity to contribute to meaningful public policy work. 

 

You'll have a solid foundation in policy analysis, ideally with around 1–2 years' relevant experience in the public sector or a similarly complex environment. Most importantly, you'll be someone who can think critically, write clearly and deliver quality work while managing competing priorities. 

 

You'll bring: 

 

  • Experience developing policy advice, briefings, Ministerial reporting or other material for senior decision-makers. 
  • Strong written communication skills, with the ability to turn complex information and evidence into clear, practical advice. 
  • Sound analytical skills, good judgement and an understanding of government policy processes. 
  • Strong organisation and prioritisation skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and maintain attention to detail. 
  • A collaborative approach, confidence working across teams and an ability to adapt as priorities change. 
  • An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how to apply this perspective to policy development. 

 

Experience in social investment, commissioning, cross-agency programmes or outcomes-based policy would be an advantage, but isn't essential. 

 

If you enjoy solving problems, working with others and seeing your policy advice contribute to practical improvements, we'd like to hear from you. 

Utu ā-tau | Salary

 

The salary range for this role is $86,850–$122,611 (Band 16). 

 

Starting salaries reflect skills and experience relevant to the role, with offers generally made between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range. 

 

Ko wai mātou | About us 

 

The Social Investment Agency is a central agency, set up to lead the social investment approach to improve people's lives and to support the Government to achieve better outcomes from social service expenditure. 

 

Social investment involves using data to understand people's needs and the best prevention points, implementing evidence-based approaches to improving outcomes, and testing that they've been successful. The Agency has a particular focus on cross-sector work to address the most pervasive social sector challenges. 

 

We are committed to having a safe and inclusive workplace and we value the diversity everyone brings. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of gender identity, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or religion. 

 

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. 

 

Tono mai | How to apply 

 

To apply for this role please click the 'Apply Now' button and follow the online process. To view a copy of the position description please click here: Policy Analyst, position description

 

Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 22 November 2026; however, we will review applications as they come in and may invite people to interview before the close date. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if an ideal person is found before the close date. 

 

If you have any questions, please email peopleandculture@sia.govt.nz. 

 

We look forward to receiving your application.