Senior Policy Architect — Big-P Government & Tertiary Education

Madisonrecruitment; Wellington; On-site; NZD 200,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Madisonrecruitment is seeking a Senior or Principal Policy Analyst for a central government organisation in Wellington. This four-to-six-month contract focuses on high-profile tertiary education policy, including Māori education providers, Māori-Crown relationships, and funding/regulatory settings that support the sector.

The role requires leading Cabinet paper development, RIS/RAS processes, and advising Ministers with robust evidence-based analysis.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in strategic public policy within central government.
• Proven ability to shape policy direction rather than implement established settings.
• Experience leading Cabinet paper development and RIS/RAS processes.
• Strong analytical and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic policy projects and work programmes.
• Analyse complex policy issues and identify strategic policy options.
• Develop high-quality policy advice for Ministers and senior decision-makers.
• Prepare Cabinet papers, briefing material, and Ministerial correspondence.
• Lead and contribute to Regulatory Impact Statements (RIS) and Regulatory Analysis Statements (RAS).
• Apply a range of policy levers, including funding and regulatory settings, to achieve desired outcomes.
• Assess policy trade-offs and provide clear recommendations on complex issues.
• Engage effectively with stakeholders across government, the tertiary education sector, and Māori organisations.
• Build strong working relationships and influence across a broad range of audiences.
• Present clear, concise and compelling advice that supports government decision-making.

Skills

Strategic policy

Policy analysis

Cabinet paper writing

Regulatory analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Maori engagement

Critical thinking

Influencing senior stakeholders

Job description

Madisonrecruitment is seeking a Senior or Principal Policy Analyst for a central government organisation in Wellington. This four-to-six-month contract focuses on high-profile tertiary education policy, including Māori education providers, Māori-Crown relationships, and funding/regulatory settings that support the sector.

The role requires leading Cabinet paper development, RIS/RAS processes, and advising Ministers with robust evidence-based analysis.