Operational Policy Lead: Turn Strategy into Practice

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 104,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) in Wellington is seeking a Senior Advisor Operational Policy to translate strategic policy into practical, compliant operational policy. You will provide senior-level advice, assess change impacts, and influence cross‑departmental implementation to improve outcomes for disabled people and whanau.

You will work at the intersection of policy, design and delivery in a complex public sector environment, building trusted relationships and guiding teams across

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in policy advice or analysis (senior level experience preferred).
• Knowledge of operational, delivery or policy processes in a public sector or other service delivery environment.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to develop high quality operational policy and written advice for senior leaders.
• Proven ability to influence, and exercise sound judgement and political sensitivity.
• Ability to build trusted relationships across DSS and wider stakeholders.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure, with strong problem solving, planning and organisational skills, and the ability to prioritise and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience providing coaching and mentoring.
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in policy and operational contexts.

Responsibilities

• Translate strategic policy into clear, workable operational policy through analysis, option development and recommendations.
• Provide expert advice to ensure operational policy complies with legislative/regulatory requirements, and government decisions.
• Support the design and use of systems, tools and methodologies that enable policy to be implemented effectively in practice.
• Assess the operational impacts of change initiatives and advise teams across DSS and MSD.
• Represent Operational Policy in change projects, working groups and cross-functional forums.
• Build strong relationships across DSS to support joined-up implementation.
• Build wider team capability through guidance and support.

Skills

Policy advice

Policy analysis

Public sector knowledge

Communication skills

Influence

Relationship building

Coaching and mentoring

Te Tiriti o Waitangi understanding

Job description

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) in Wellington is seeking a Senior Advisor Operational Policy to translate strategic policy into practical, compliant operational policy. You will provide senior-level advice, assess change impacts, and influence cross‑departmental implementation to improve outcomes for disabled people and whanau.

You will work at the intersection of policy, design and delivery in a complex public sector environment, building trusted relationships and guiding teams across