Mō te tūnga | About the role: 

As the Policy Manager you will manage one of the Ministry’s Policy teams and, with the other Policy Manager and Principal Analysts, support the Group Manager to deliver key programmes of work. 

You will set the strategy for the team and drive the delivery of high-quality policy advice, including the development of portfolio work programmes and priorities.  

You will support the development needs of the team and monitor team performance and development plans, providing regular feedback against objectives and enabling a learning and knowledge sharing environment.  

You will provide peer support and coaching for the team and colleagues and role model the Ministry values, expectations, and standards to drive and build the commitment and engagement of the team.  

This position is based in Wellington. 

Mōu | About you:

You will have proven experience leading teams to provide strategic policy analysis and advice to Ministers and senior leaders. 

Your well-developed understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how to apply this in policy contexts will set you up for success in this role.  

You will have the ability to provide constructive review and feedback to achieve high quality policy work and provide peer support and coaching to others.  

Your strong written skills will showcase your ability to take complex information and synthesise it into key messages for relevant audiences. 

You will have the ability to apply foresight and judgement in shaping work programmes and policy projects to anticipate risks and issues.  

You can communicate effectively with Ministers, and guide groups through complex discussion processes to achieve understanding, commitment and agreed outcomes. 

You will have the ability to build and maintain relationships, work in partnership and collaborate with others to achieve shared objectives and goals.  

To undertake this role successfully you will either be a disabled person or you will be able to establish credibility and trust with the disability community.

He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga | Position Description:

The job description can be found here: Policy Manager position description.

Salary Range: $117,419 - $174,069

Mō mātou | About us:

At Whaikaha, we want an Aotearoa New Zealand where Deaf and disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori are thriving.

As a Ministry we are dedicated to this goal, working with government, businesses, and communities to drive real change.

We do this by investing in disability communities, providing strategic and policy advice across government, monitoring how well services are working, and identifying new, exciting opportunities to make a difference.

We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive environment. 

Ka kati ngā tono hei te | Applications close: Sunday 17 August 2025.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply: 

Click the 'Apply' button to complete the online form, or let’s kōrero about what you need to feel supported in your application. For example, you may prefer to use video instead of a traditional CV and cover letter, or you might want whānau or a friend to tell us about you.

Contact us about the best way for you to apply by emailing: [email protected]

 
If you work for Whaikaha please apply through the myHR portal so that your employee profile is visible as an internal candidate.