Senior Policy Analysts and Policy Analysts

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 Analysts and Policy Analysts
The Policy Branch provides advice to several Ministerial portfolios, which includes: social development and employment; child poverty reduction; disability issues; housing; seniors; and youth.
**We cover a broad range of policy issues such as**: income, housing and employment support services; regional and community-led initiatives; support for the social sector workforce; improving child wellbeing and reducing child poverty; the Ministry's response to a wide range of inquiries such as the Royal Commission of Inquiry into historical abuse in state care and in the care of faith-based institutions; our commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi; and how our services impacts a wide range of cohorts, particularly children and young people and their families, disabled people and older people.
**The Policy Branch is made up five groups, which includes**:

- Welfare System and Income Support;
- Housing and Employment;
- Regional, Social and Inquiries;
- International, Disability and Generational; and
- Child Wellbeing and Poverty Reduction.

The Policy Branch works closely with other teams within the Ministry as well as other government agencies and key external stakeholders. We are a busy, diverse and friendly Policy Branch.
Our people are focused on delivering high quality policy advice in a positive, supportive team environment. We focus on staff wellbeing and personal work and life balance. We pride ourselves on investing in developing and supporting our staff to reach their full potential.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako / Skills and experience
- We're keen to hear from motivated Senior Policy Analysts and Policy Analysts with a track record in policy advice. - We're looking for great people skills as you'll be working with stakeholders across our organisation and externally. - We're keen on people who will fit our collegial, supportive culture, and have the action orientation to shape, lead and contribute to policy work that is a priority for Ministers and our Chief Executive. - You'll need strong analytical and critical thinking ability and excellent judgement.

If you're considering the Senior Policy Analyst role, we'll also expect you to demonstrate:

- leadership ability and experience in providing advice on complex issues along with the skills and an interest in coaching and developing others;
- skills in building relationships and leading engagement with stakeholders, both internally and externally to the Ministry; and
- experience in enhancing the team's capability, including supporting junior staff with their projects.
- curiosity;
- understanding of Te Ao Māori and commitment to upholding the Treaty of Waitangi;
- perseverance;
- clear communication skills; and
- collaborative working style.

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 - impacting the lives of children, young people and older people. We work collaboratively with the service delivery groups of our Ministry and with our policy colleagues across government, to ensure fit for purpose policies - you can see the policies you've developed right through to operational implementation. 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 the Ministry.

As a Treaty of Waitangi partner, we work towards supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, 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;
- whānau - we are inclusive and build a sense of belonging and place; and
- 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 Descriptions**:
Policy Analyst Position Description
Sen