Senior Policy Analyst - Systems Policy

Frog recruitment - Wellington; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in Wellington seeks a senior public policy professional for a permanent role. You will address system underperformance and drive policy reforms, working closely with government processes. The position offers flexibility with remote work options and the chance to contribute to impactful changes in the public sector. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in policy analysis and the ability to navigate complex environments.

Benefits

Up to 3 WFH days

Collaborative team culture

Opportunity to influence reform

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Big P policy analysis and options development.
• Strong understanding of government processes.
• Experience in systems-level reform is ideal.

Responsibilities

• Shape how system underperformance is addressed.
• Drive strategic reform across the public system.
• Deliver practical policy solutions in complex environments.

Skills

Big P policy analysis

Policy advice to Ministers

Critical thinking

Strong stakeholder engagement

Strategic analysis

Comfort in fast-paced environments

Job description

Overview

Te whiwhinga mahi | The Opportunity
Join a senior-heavy, high-performing ‘big P’ policy team which is responsible for systems thought leadership and system settings across the sector, driving strategic reform and stewardship thinking across a complex public system. This team also forms part of the organisation’s leadership forum. This permanent role offers the chance to shape how system underperformance is addressed and how sector accountability and governance are strengthened. You’ll be part of a team that thrives on robust debate, deep thinking, and meaningful impact.

The Organisation

Ko wai mātou | The Organisation
This central government agency is leading ambitious system-wide change. The Policy team is known for its collegiality, intellectual rigour, and commitment to equity and excellence. This is a Wellington-based role, with office days (Wednesday and Friday) and WFH options on the other days.

About you

Mōu | About you
You’re a seasoned ‘Big P’ public policy professional with strong knowledge of government processes and of providing policy advice to a Minister, and bring the ability to work across complex systems and deliver practical solutions. You enjoy working in fast-paced, politically sensitive environments and want to make a real difference. You bring experience in policy options development, and ideally, a background in system-level reform.

Skills and experience required

• Proven experience in Big P policy analysis and options development, providing policy advice to Ministers. Experience in systems wide policy work / systems thinking will be ideal
• A good understanding of the different levers that can influence change and outcomes in the public sector
• Critical thinking; strategic analysis
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• Comfort operating in a fast-paced environment

Be part of a team at the forefront of system change, that’s shaping the future of a vital public system.

The benefits

Te painga o te mahi tahi me mātou | Benefits

• Wellington based, with up to 3 x WFH days
• Highly experienced, senior, intellectually engaged team with a collaborative culture
• Opportunity to influence system-wide reform

How to apply

Me pēwhea te tuku tono | How to apply
Apply now and text 2186 afterward to connect with Caroline Prior at Frog Recruitment for a confidential chat.

Operating for over 20 years in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, people2people, Edge Recruitment, and Frog Recruitment are an award-winning recruitment group and HR solutions provider. As an inclusive workforce, we welcome everyone and encourage our employees, clients, and candidates to showcase their authentic selves.

Should you require reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, we encourage you to make a request by phoning the above-mentioned recruitment consultant to discuss. In response to these requests, we will collaborate closely with you to implement the appropriate adjustments.