Senior Policy Lead — Legislative & Child Welfare

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children; Wellington; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children seeks an experienced policy professional based in Wellington to lead the development of complex policy advice within our national office.

The role involves working across legislative and regulatory policy, collaborating with frontline staff, data and insights teams, and key partners to shape evidence-based, impactful policy that improves outcomes for Tamariki and rangatahi.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading the development of complex policy advice, especially in legislative or regulatory contexts.
• Deep knowledge of legislative and machinery of government processes.
• Exceptional analytical, critical policy thinking and communication skills to produce high-quality policy work quickly.
• Ability to build genuine relationships with influence across settings to advance policy agendas.
• Experience leading and coaching others, with a collaborative, compassionate approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of complex policy advice with a legislative or regulatory focus.
• Collaborate with frontline teams, data and insights units and partners to shape evidence-based policy.
• Build and maintain influential relationships across government and partners.
• Coach and lead teams to deliver policy work with impact and timeliness.

Skills

Policy leadership

Legislative/regulatory knowledge

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder relationships

Coaching and mentoring

Māori/Pacific/Taonga understanding

Education

Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline

Job description

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children seeks an experienced policy professional based in Wellington to lead the development of complex policy advice within our national office.

The role involves working across legislative and regulatory policy, collaborating with frontline staff, data and insights teams, and key partners to shape evidence-based, impactful policy that improves outcomes for Tamariki and rangatahi.