Senior Policy Analyst

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 113,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Social Development is seeking a Senior Policy Analyst in Wellington for the Child Wellbeing and Poverty Reduction Group. The role leads complex, cross-agency policy work and provides policy advice to Ministers on reducing child poverty and improving wellbeing, including staff coaching and strategy alignment.

You will work within a supportive team, embracing te ao Māori perspectives and Treaty obligations, and contribute to the newly defined Te Pae Tawhiti direction while delivering

Qualifications

• Senior policy analyst with system-level policy experience.
• Strong analytical and judgement with policy advice.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience across central government agencies.
• Understanding of Te Ao Māori and the Treaty of Waitangi.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-agency policy work on child wellbeing and poverty reduction.
• Provide high-quality policy advice to Ministers and senior leaders.
• Coach and develop junior staff delivering policy outputs.
• Support implementation of the Child Youth Strategy and related work.

Skills

Policy analysis

Cross-agency collaboration

Stakeholder engagement

Written communication

Te Ao Māori awareness

Job description

Date: 5 Nov 2026Location: Wellington, NZCompany: Ministry of Social Development9 months Fixed term secondment opportunityWellington basedAbout the role | Mo te tungaAre you interested in complex policy issues that span the social sector? Do you enjoy working with colleagues across government to improve outcomes? Are you passionate about making a difference for young New Zealanders?The Child Wellbeing and Poverty Reduction Group is steward of the legislative frameworks for reducing child poverty and improving child wellbeing through the Child and Youth Strategy. We provide policy advice to the Minister for Child Poverty Reduction on reducing material hardship and developing and implementing the Strategy. We also support Child and Youth Ministers and social sector Chief Executives to oversee and drive cross-agency work focused on improving children's outcomes. We work with colleagues and stakeholders across and beyond government on short- and long-term policy issues.This group is one of five in the busy, diverse and friendly Policy Branch. There's a great vibe across the Branch where people are focused on delivering high quality policy advice in a positive, supportive team environment. We work hard to ensure policy settings are responsive to New Zealanders' diverse needs and wellbeing while also focussing on staff wellbeing and personal work/life balance. We pride ourselves on investing in, developing and supporting staff to reach their full potential.What you bring | Ou pumanawatangaWe're keen to hear from motivated senior policy analysts with experience working on system-level policy issues, who will fit our collegial, supportive culture and have the action orientation to shape and lead on complex, cross-agency policy work.You will need:strong analytical and critical thinking ability and excellent judgementthe ability to hit your stride quickly and maintain momentuma track record in providing quality policy advice within central governmentexcellent written and oral communication skillsstrong relationship building skills and experience working across government agencies to achieve resultsunderstanding of te ao Maori and commitment to upholding the Treaty of Waitangiexperience leading and coaching others to deliver high-quality work.The qualities we value in candidates are:curiosityperseveranceclear communicationa collaborative working style.What we offer | Ta matou e tuku anaWe are a large Ministry with policies and services that support most New Zealanders at some point in their life - from childcare assistance to social housing to superannuation.Our practice is guided by a foundation of shared cultural behaviours which has embedded a positive and supportive working environment.We have a new strategic direction - Te Pae Tawhiti - that sets out a strong vision and purpose for MSD.We are committed to building diversity, accessibility and inclusion in our workplace.As a Treaty of Waitangi partner, we work towards supporting and enabling Maori, whanau, hapu, iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations. We aim to acknowledge and be guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and to pursue the following values in our work:manaaki - we care about the wellbeing and success of peoplemahi tahi - we work together, making a difference for communitieswhanau - we are inclusive and build a sense of belonging and placetika me te pono - we do the right thing with integrity.We are committed to building diversity, accessibility and inclusion in our workplace. We can offer flexible working arrangements.Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga TungaPlease view the position description here: Senior Policy Analyst - Child Wellbeing and Poverty Reduction Group position descriptionSalary | Utu-a-tau: $113,496.00 - $137,794.00Applications close | Ka kati nga tono hei te: Monday 16th November 2026.About us | Mo matouThe 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, whanau and communities.As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we are committed to supporting and enabling Maori, whanau, hapu, 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.How to apply | Me pehea te tuku tonoBefore you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment.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. Please highlight how your skills and experience relate to the key responsibilities listed in the position description and job advertisement.All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at [e-mail] MSD Employees - please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.Joining us | Ko te hono maiJoining MSD means being part of a whanau 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.