Policy Analyst

Forte Recruitment; Wellington; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Forte Recruitment – Wellington Central, North Island is seeking a capable Policy Analyst to support a national membership organisation focused on mental health and addiction services in Aotearoa. You will provide high-quality policy analysis, prepare submissions, and translate complex information into practical written communications.

Working closely with the Chief Executive and stakeholders, you will influence policy and contribute to better, more equitable outcomes for communities across New

Qualifications

• Experience in health, mental health, addiction, disability or broader social sector is preferred.
• Policy professionals with genuine interest in the sector are welcome.

Responsibilities

• Research and analyse government policy, legislation and sector developments
• Prepare submissions, reports, briefings and policy position statements
• Translate complex information into clear, engaging written communications
• Identify emerging issues, risks and opportunities for the sector
• Gather evidence, data and member insights to support policy advice
• Lead or contribute to policy projects and wider work programmes
• Build trusted relationships with members, government agencies and sector partners
• Represent the organisation at relevant meetings, forums and working groups
• Incorporate Te Tiriti o Waitangi, human rights and equity considerations into policy work

Skills

Policy analysis

Writing and editing

Stakeholder engagement

Presentation skills

Decision making

Relationship building

Equity and Te Tiriti understanding

Tikanga Māori / Te Reo Māori

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Forte Recruitment – Wellington Central, North Island

Join a collaborative, small team and contribute to meaningful work, using your excellent communication and writing skills to turn complex information into clear, practical advice.

Our client is a national membership organisation representing non-governmental and community organisations that support people and whānau affected by mental health and addiction. They advocate for positive change across policy, funding, legislation, workforce initiatives and the wider health system.

They are seeking a capable and thoughtful Policy Analyst to provide high-quality analysis and advice on government policy issues affecting the mental health and addiction sector. Working closely with the Chief Executive, members and key stakeholders, you will help influence policy and contribute to better and more equitable outcomes for communities across Aotearoa.

Key responsibilities

• Research and analyse government policy, legislation and sector developments
• Prepare submissions, reports, briefings and policy position statements
• Translate complex information into clear, engaging written communications
• Identify emerging issues, risks and opportunities for the sector
• Gather evidence, data and member insights to support policy advice
• Lead or contribute to policy projects and wider work programmes
• Build trusted relationships with members, government agencies and sector partners
• Represent the organisation at relevant meetings, forums and working groups
• Incorporate Te Tiriti o Waitangi, human rights and equity considerations into policy work

Join a collaborative, small team and contribute to meaningful work, using your excellent communication and writing skills to turn complex information into clear, practical advice.

Our client is a national membership organisation representing non-governmental and community organisations that support people and whānau affected by mental health and addiction. They advocate for positive change across policy, funding, legislation, workforce initiatives and the wider health system.

They are seeking a capable and thoughtful Policy Analyst to provide high‑quality analysis and advice on government policy issues affecting the mental health and addiction sector. Working closely with the Chief Executive, members and key stakeholders, you will help influence policy and contribute to better and more equitable outcomes for communities across Aotearoa.

Key responsibilities

• Research and analyse government policy, legislation and sector developments
• Prepare submissions, reports, briefings and policy position statements
• Translate complex information into clear, engaging written communications
• Identify emerging issues, risks and opportunities for the sector
• Gather evidence, data and member insights to support policy advice
• Lead or contribute to policy projects and wider work programmes
• Build trusted relationships with members, government agencies and sector partners
• Represent the organisation at relevant meetings, forums and working groups
• Incorporate Te Tiriti o Waitangi, human rights and equity considerations into policy work

About you

You will be an exceptional written and verbal communicator who can confidently engage with a wide range of audiences. You will be comfortable working autonomously, using sound judgement and adapting quickly when priorities shift. You are open to learn and grow in this sector where the organisation provides and supports professional development and training.

Ideally, you will bring experience from the health, mental health, addiction, disability or broader social sector. However, applications are also welcomed from policy professionals with a genuine interest in this space.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Strong policy analysis, research and critical-thinking skills
• Excellent writing, editing and presentation skills
• A strong work ethic with a collaborative approach
• The ability to work effectively in a small team environment
• Confidence making decisions and recommending practical solutions
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills
• The ability to interpret and communicate complex information clearly
• Diplomacy, cultural awareness and a commitment to equitable outcomes
• An understanding of tikanga Māori and Te Reo Māori
• Initiative, agility and the ability to manage competing priorities

This is a wonderful opportunity to undertake meaningful work that can influence the future of mental health and addiction services in Aotearoa. You will join a supportive small team where your ideas, judgement and contribution will be valued.

If you are motivated by purpose, enjoy working both independently and collaboratively, and want your policy expertise to make a genuine difference, we would love to hear from you.

To be considered for this position, applicants must already hold the legal right to work in New Zealand, as visa sponsorship is not available.