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, 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.

**Senior Policy Analyst / Kaimātai Matua Kaupapa Here - Social Impact Policy Team**
- Permanent Role
- Wellington Based

**_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 a motivated and inquiring Policy to join our Social Impact Policy Team 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.

Social development is not just about being the ‘ambulance at the bottom of the cliff', but is about supporting long-term change that strengthens wellbeing and enhances the mana of all New Zealanders.

The Social Impact Policy team provides meaningful policy advice to Government Ministers on a range of critical social policy issues including:

- supporting the safety and capability building of the social sector workforce;
- overseeing changes to Social Workers Registration Act;
- eliminating Family Violence and Sexual Violence; and
- strengthening social cohesion across Aotearoa New Zealand.

We work closely with a range of stakeholders including our Māori, Communities and Partnerships team within MSD and other government departments including the Social Workers Registration Board, Ministry of Ethnic Communities, Oranga Tamariki, Te Puna Aonui and many others. We also have close relationships with a range of community partners and stakeholders.

Social Impact Policy is part of the Regional, Social and Inquiries Policy Group, within MSD's Policy Branch.

**Skills and experience / He pūkenga tou**

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
- bringing together evidence to draw conclusions (e.g. on key issues and their root causes)
- working collaboratively on projects both within and across agencies
- 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.**
- Strong analytical skills
- Clear communication skills
- Collaborative working style
- Perseverance
- Understanding of te Ao Māori and commitment to upholding Te Tiriti Waitangi
- Skills and experience working with ethnic communities
- A working knowledge of social sector commissioning processes would be an advantage.

**Organisation environment / Te taiao o te rōpū**

It is important to us to:

- prioritise your wellbeing and development
- provide a flexible working environment where you can learn from a supportive and collegial team of experienced policy professionals
- develop your career though the opportunities that come from a broad and varied work programme and our commitment to your ongoing professional development
- collaborate and support each other and we make sure everyone has the chance to develop and to take on new challenges
- value diversity of thinking and background - this informs the creation of responsive policy that reflects the communities we serve.

MSD has several employee-led networks that build a sense of community for our people so that they can contribute, belong and thrive. Our employee-led networks include, but are not limited to:

- National Office Māori Staff Network - Te Tini ō te Raurearea
- Pasefika Helava
- Women's Network
- Pan Asian Network.

MSD is a CareWise employer. We commit to showing manaaki to people in our MSD whānau with caring commitments.

**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.

**Joining us**

Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the dive