Senior Policy Advisor

This is a great opportunity to lead complex policy work, influence system-wide change, and progress your career in a space that's growing in importance and visibility.

• Great team culture and exciting work programme
• Contribute to meaningful work focused on the data system in Aotearoa New Zealand
• Wellington based role with flexibility

We're growing our Policy team and looking for multiple Senior Advisors to join us.

Whether you're seeking a permanent role, fixed-term opportunity, part-time hours, or interagency secondment. We'd love to hear from you.

The roles | Te tūnga

This is a unique opportunity for experienced policy professionals to help shape the future of New Zealand's data system. You'll be part of a small, high-performing team working at the heart of government, advising on how data can be used more effectively to improve outcomes for Aotearoa.

Our work spans the data and statistics system, identifying opportunities, influencing system settings, and leading initiatives that enable better use of data. Current focus areas include:

• Supporting social investment through integrated, longitudinal data
• Strategic planning for the future of macroeconomic statistics
• Driving forward greater use of administrative data
• Adapting to the digital era and meeting evolving customer needs
• Fostering trust and confidence in how data is used and protected.

What's in it for you? | Ngā hua ka riro ki a koe

At Stats NZ, we're proud to foster a workplace where everyone feels welcome and valued. We celebrate diversity and are committed to equity, inclusion, and wellbeing. Stats NZ offers several benefits to support our kamahi, including:

• A competitive salary starting from $96,307 plus a 3% net KiwiSaver contribution. Appointment into the role will be based on skills and experience.
• Flexible working options
• Supportive leadership and a tight-knit, fun team.
• Opportunities to lead meaningful policy work that influences Aotearoa's data future.
• A modern, central Wellington office designed for collaboration and comfort
• Access to employee-led social and community groups that help you connect and contribute
• Opportunities for career development and progression

Join a team that's passionate about making a difference and having a good time doing it.

What you bring | Nōu te rourou

To be successful in this role you'll need to be able to hit the ground running, with the agility to work across a range of complex subjects. You'll need:

• A solid understanding of public policy and how government works
• Proven experience leading complex policy projects
• Ideally 5 years in policy analysis and development
• Strong planning, coaching, and analytical skills
• Ability to turn complex information into clear, actionable insights
• Quick to spot critical issues and offer practical solutions
• Skilled in producing high-quality, accurate written reports

We understand transferable skills can come from experience gained from outside of work. We encourage you to be you in your application.

About us |Ko mātou

Tatauranga Aotearoa - Stats NZ is a Central Government employer of around 1200 people across Aotearoa. We provide data and statistics to support the decisions of Government, Māori and Iwi organisations, businesses, NGOs, and New Zealanders. Our work is About Aotearoa, for Aotearoa - data that improves lives today and for generations to come.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

If this sounds like you, click on theApply now button to be redirected to the application page on our careers site. The position description is located on the right-hand side of the page.

We will be screening applications as we receive them to move swiftly to interview. You may be asked to complete a pre-interview screen via phone or video. Please let us know in your application if we need to make any specific accommodations during our process. Deadline for applications is 11.55pm 10 November 2025.

Please reach out to if you have any questions.

You must have the right to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand. Background and various pre-employment checks are part of our recruitment process.

Note to Recruitment Agencies: unsolicited CVs will not be accepted.

Reference #

16690

Posted on

29 Oct 2025

Closes on

10 Nov :55

Location(s)

Wellington

Expertise

Policy

Job level(s)

4-6 years experience, 7+ years experience

Work type(s)

Permanent full-time, Permanent part-time, Fixed term full-time, Fixed term part-time, Secondment