Senior Analyst Operational Policy and Planning Team

Ministry of Social Development; Wellington; On-site; NZD 103,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in New Zealand seeks a Senior Analyst for operational policy and planning in Wellington. The candidate will lead projects that support families and communities, ensure high-quality policy advice, and coordinate works on social service initiatives. The role offers a collaborative environment focused on positive community impact and requires expertise in social services and government processes. Competitive salary between $103,815 and $125,958 annually.

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of social services and relevant programmes.
• Experience in state sector policy development.
• Ability to manage complex projects and deliver results.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to projects within Safe, Strong Families and Communities.
• Deliver high-quality operational policy advice.
• Coordinate specific areas of work and oversee programme initiatives.

Skills

Understanding of social services

Strong knowledge of state sector policy

Knowledge of government budget processes

Experience managing projects

Strong communication skills

Job description

About us

The Ministry of Social Development 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 and 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.

Senior Analyst Operational Policy and Planning Team

• One permanent role and one 12 months fixed term/secondment opportunity
• Wellington based
• Use data and analysis to inform decisions

Work independently within a supportive team environment. Work on initiatives to address family violence, sexual violence, build financial capability, and improve access to services in rural communities

Mō te tūnga / About the role

As a Senior Analyst, you will lead and contribute to projects and policy initiatives within Safe, Strong Families and Communities (SSFC) or Māori, Communities and Partnerships (MCP), across the Ministry, Government, or wider social sector.

Your work will make a real and positive difference for communities through the services we invest in and the support we provide. You’ll be responsible for delivering high-quality operational policy advice and supporting the development and improvement of social services for New Zealanders — from idea to implementation. You’ll also help SSFC to fulfil regular planning and reporting functions, and support senior leadership to make informed decisions.

This role also includes coordinating and project managing specific areas of work, and overseeing the development, implementation, and delivery of both new and existing policy and programme initiatives.

Mōu – Ngā Pūkenga me ngā Wheako / Skills and experience

We’re looking for someone with a broad and practical skillset who thrives in a fast-paced, achievement-focused environment. You’ll bring:
• Understanding of the social services, health, or education sectors, including relevant programmes and support for families
• Strong knowledge of state sector policy development processes, government direction, and the machinery of government
• Knowledge of government budget processes, funding models, outcomes frameworks and reporting measures
• Understanding of evaluation, monitoring, and research methods, with the ability to draw insights from data to support decision-making, service development and improvement
• Ability to interpret, work within and improve processes for regular business functions, such as funding planning and reporting
• Experience providing advice in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Proven experience managing and coordinating complex projects
• Experience working with a wide range of stakeholders including government agencies, NGOs, iwi/Māori, Pacific peoples, and community organisations
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with a collaborative approach to developing solutions
• Confidence using digital tools and technology in day-to-day work
• An understanding of, or commitment to, applying a Te Tiriti o Waitangi lens in your work, with support available to grow in this area


If you’re someone who brings a positive attitude and can navigate complex issues to deliver practical, results-focused solutions, we’d love to hear from you.

Position Description

Senior Analyst Position Description

Salary range: $103,815.00 - $125,958.00

How to apply

To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.

Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilitieslisted in the position description.

All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at [e-mail]

Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.

Closing date: Wednesday 6th August, 2025.

Joining us

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. We are a Treaty partner committed to strengthening relationships with Māori, Hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.

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.

MSD has a COVID-19 vaccination policy that encourages, but does not require, employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and its variants, unless the role is identified as requiring vaccination at the time.