Policy Analyst | Wellington | Fixed term or Secondment

Ministry of Social Development; Wellington; On-site; NZD 79,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Social Development in Wellington seeks a Policy Analyst for a fixed-term or secondment until 30 June 2027. You will help shape disability support policy and turn analysis into practical actions, working with a collaborative team to improve services for disabled people and whānau.

You’ll contribute to research, engage with across-government partners, and support briefings and Cabinet papers to drive equitable outcomes.

Qualifications

• Some experience in policy development or a related field.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• An understanding of the machinery of government.
• Good communication and relationship-building skills.
• A willingness to learn and grow in a supportive team.
• An appreciation for lived experience and inclusive policy.
• A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equity for disabled people.
• A proactive and flexible approach to work.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of policy advice on disability support services.
• Contribute to research, analysis, and drafting of policy documents.
• Work with colleagues across the Ministry and other agencies.
• Help identify and address barriers to effective policy implementation.
• Participate in inter-agency working groups and hui.
• Support engagement with the disability community.
• Assist with briefings, reports, and Cabinet papers.

Skills

Policy development

Analytical thinking

Communication

Machinery of government

Team collaboration

Flexible approach

Job description

Policy Analyst | Wellington | Fixed term or Secondment

• Fixed-term or secondment opportunity until 30 June 2027
• Contribute to system change that improves the lives of disabled people
• Join a team making a real difference through meaningful policy work that supports Disability Support Services.

The Disability Support Services Group (DSS) has been established to ensure fairer access to disability support services in New Zealand, ensuring those with the greatest needs receive quality support services.

The Transformation team is in place to continue work to strengthen DSS services for the future following the implementation of the independent review recommendations.

The work ahead aims to:

• provide disabled people with certain and consistent access to DSS, no matter what their circumstances or where they live in New Zealand
• prioritise funding for disabled people with the highest needs, and those who would benefit most from early intervention support,
• ensure that Enabling Good Lives (EGL) principles are put into practice
• ensure that the long-term sustainability of DSS is strengthened to provide disabled people and carers with services that are consistent, fair and affordable.

About the role | Mō te tūnga

This is a great opportunity for an emerging policy professional to work on complex social issues that directly impact disabled people and their whānau. You'll be part of a collaborative team helping to turn policy into action.

This is a fixed term or secondment opportunity ending 30 June 2027 and is based in our Wellington office.

Key responsibilities include:

• Support the development of policy advice on disability support services
• Contribute to research, analysis, and drafting of policy documents
• Work with colleagues across the Ministry and other agencies
• Help identify and address barriers to effective policy implementation
• Participate in inter-agency working groups and hui
• Support engagement with the disability community
• Assist with briefings, reports, and Cabinet papers

We value diversity and welcome applications from disabled people and those who have lived experience with whānau, or the disability community.

Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.

• You'll be curious, collaborative, and committed to improving outcomes for disabled people
• Some experience in policy development or a related field
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• An understanding of the machinery of government
• Good communication and relationship-building skills
• A willingness to learn and grow in a supportive team
• An appreciation for the importance of lived experience and inclusive policy
• A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equity for disabled people
• A proactive and flexible approach to your work

Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $79,200.00 - $95,873.00

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) 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 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.

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. You can find out more about our values here.

If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.