Senior 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, 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.

**Senior Policy Analyst - Child Wellbeing and Poverty Reduction Group**
- Permanent Role
- Wellington-based

**_We are seeking a proactive and motivated Senior Policy Analyst to join our Child Wellbeing and Poverty Reduction Group at the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).
- **

**Mo te tunga / About the role**

Are 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?

We are looking for a Senior Policy Analyst to lead work to embed the priorities in the Child and Youth Strategy. You will work with colleagues from across the social sector and beyond government to make meaningful progress on the Strategy outcomes.

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 monitor and report on the Strategy measurement framework and work with a wide range of stakeholders to align efforts to improve outcomes for children and young people.

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.

**Mou - Nga Pukenga me nga Wheako / Skills and experience**

We're keen to hear from motivated senior policy analysts with experience working on system-level policy issues. You will need:

- strong analytical and critical thinking ability and excellent judgement
- a track record in providing quality policy advice within central government
- excellent written and oral communication skills
- strong relationship building skills and experience leading engagement with stakeholders, both internally and externally
- proven ability to work through ambiguity to deliver results
- experience leading and coaching others to deliver high-quality work.
- curiosity
- understanding of te ao Maori and commitment to upholding the Treaty of Waitangi
- perseverance
- clear communication
- a collaborative working style.

**Te mahi ki konei / What are the Benefits of working in Policy at MSD?**

We 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 people
- **mahi tahi** - we work together, making a difference for communities
- **whanau** - we are inclusive and build a sense of belonging and place
- **tika 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**

Senior Policy Analyst Position Description

**Salary range: $112,372.00 - $136,429.00**

**How to apply**

**Note**: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description.

**Closing date: Monday 12 May, 2025.**

**Joining us**