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.

Policy Analyst & Senior Policy Analyst
- Multiple roles available
- Wellington Based
- Work for an organisation that makes a difference to the lives of New Zealanders

Are you passionate about supporting and influencing social change for families, whanau, and individuals across Aotearoa New Zealand?

About the role / Te āhuatunga a te tūranga
We are seeking motivated and inquiring Policy Analysts and Senior Policy Analysts to join our Regional, Social and Inquiries Policy Group here at the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). We will provide you with a range of diverse experiences, from being involved in supporting short-term tangible change through to influencing longer-term strategic work. You will work both across MSD and with a range of agencies and stakeholders.

Within the Regional, Social and Inquiries Policy Group we have vacancies in the following teams:

- Regional and Communities Policy
- Social Impact Policy
- Strategy and Inquiries Policy

The Regional and Communities Policy team provides meaningful policy advice to Government Ministers on a range of high-priority issues including the Regional Public Service Leadership Framework, the government's Community Connector workforce, food security and emergency management.
The Social Impact Policy team provides meaningful policy advice to Government Ministers on a range of critical social policy issues including strengthening Social Cohesion across Aotearoa New Zealand, eliminating Family Violence and Sexual Violence, supporting the capability building of the social sector workforce and overseeing Social Worker Registration Legislation.
The Strategy and Inquiries Policy team supports MSD's policy response to various external independent inquiries, including the Waitangi Tribunal's Kaupapa Inquiry programme, the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care and the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons.
Please indicate if you have a preference for a particular team as part of your cover letter.
Across the group, we work closely with a range of stakeholders including our Māori, Communities and Partnerships and Service Delivery teams within MSD. We have strong relationships with other government departments including the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Ministry for Ethnic Communities, Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children, Te Puna Aonui, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Justice, Te Puni Kōkiri and many others. We also have close relationships with a diverse range of community partners and stakeholders.
The teams are part of a busy Policy Branch. The branch has a supportive team environment where people are focused on delivering high quality policy advice. We work hard to ensure policy settings reflect the diverse needs and wellbeing of New Zealanders while maintaining a strong focus on staff wellbeing and personal work/life balance. We pride ourselves on investing in and supporting staff to reach their full potential.

Skills and experience / He pūkenga tou

**For a Policy Analyst the core parts of the role will include**:

- providing or contributing to advice that is clear, well-reasoned and politically neutral
- bringing together evidence to draw conclusions (e.g. on key issues and their root causes)
- engaging with stakeholders and the community
- working collaboratively on projects both within and across agencies

For a Senior Policy Analyst the core parts of the role will include:

- providing or contributing to advice on complex issues independently and contributing to advice on highly complex issues
- leading engagement with stakeholders and the community
- providing coaching and contributing to building the capability of people in your team

We are interested in hearing about any form of experience, in policy or otherwise, you might have that would contribute to this role.
- Curiosity and critical thinking
- Perseverance and resilience
- Clear communication and writing skills
- Collaborative working style
- Strong analytical skills
- Sound judgement
- Understanding of te Ao Māori and commitment to upholding Te Tiriti Waitangi

**These roles will suit someone with**:

- Experience forming genuine crown-Māori relationships
- Skills and experience working with ethnic communiti