Principal Policy Analyst

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.

Principal Policy Analyst - Welfare System and Income Support Policy
- Permanent opportunity
- Wellington based
- Are you looking for your next policy challenge?

Are you someone who would be excited to work at the interface between data/statistics and public policy?
Whether you are an experienced Principal Analyst looking for your next challenge or a Senior Analyst who is ready to step up, if you have the relevant skills alongside a track record of providing high quality policy advice and supporting others to succeed then we are interested in hearing from you

More about the role - Te āhuatunga a te tūranga
The role reports directly to the General Manager. You will sit on the Welfare System and Income Support Policy group leadership team, alongside four other principal analysts and three policy managers. You will also be a part of the wider Policy Branch leadership team.
You will lead on significant policy projects and provide strategic, and intellectual leadership to help shape the work and grow the capabilities of the group. You will also support other analysts to develop their data and quantitative skills alongside their broader policy skills.
Key work in the group includes ensuring the financial assistance provided by MSD is effective and fit-for-purpose - for example, considering the adequacy of payments and impacts on poverty and inequality, the impacts on financial incentives to work, the design and delivery of payments and the interactions of these payments with other systems. The group also has an important role in leading strategic work relating to welfare system settings and the overall policy stewardship of the income support system.

Benefits of working in Policy at MSD
- We work with a strong sense of purpose and people focus to deliver high quality policy advice in a fun, supportive environment that values everyone's contributions. We are proud of the collaboration that occurs across teams and the culture we've created.
- We are a large organisation with policies and services that support most New Zealanders at some point in their life - from Childcare Assistance to Superannuation.
- We work collaboratively with the service delivery groups of our ministry, to ensure fit for purpose policies - you can see the policies you've developed right through to operational implementation.
- We are committed to building diversity, accessibility and inclusion in our workplace. We can offer flexible working arrangements.

Things we are looking for in applicants
We are looking for people who will thrive in our collegial, supportive culture, and who are keen to proactively shape and lead on policy work that is a priority for Ministers and our Chief Executive. Relevant experience includes:

- Leading policy projects and producing quality policy advice
- Knowledge and confidence in one or more social, economic and/or labour policy areas - knowledge of the income support system would be an advantage
- Strong analytical and critical thinking ability and excellent judgement
- Strong data and quantitative skills
- A good understanding of policy implementation and the issues likely to impact on it
- Leadership skills in supporting the performance of individuals and the quality of policy work through mentoring, peer quality assurance processes and coaching
- The ability to navigate parliamentary and legislative processes and influence the practical implementation of government policy
- Experience working in strategic environments and building relationships across a variety of stakeholders
- An appropriate tertiary qualification or considerable, relevant practical experience

Position Description

**Salary range**: $109,999.00 - $164,999.00

How to apply

**Note**: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process. Please highlight how your experience relates to the things we are looking for and if you have a preference for particular policy areas please outline that in your letter.

**Closing date**: Wednesday 5th April, 5 pm.

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 supporti