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 – Child Wellbeing and Poverty Reduction Group
- Multiple Fixed term/secondment opportunities 6 to 9 months
- Wellington-based
We are seeking two proactive and motivated Senior Policy Analysts to join our Child Wellbeing and Poverty Reduction Group at the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).
Mō te tūnga / About the role
Are you interested in complex policy issues that span the social sector? Do you enjoy working with colleagues across government to improve outcomes? Are you passionate about making a difference for young New Zealanders?
We are looking for two Senior Policy Analysts who can deliver at pace on work that is a high priority for Ministers. You will work with colleagues from across the social sector on policy, legislation and service design to improve child safety.
The Child Wellbeing and Poverty Reduction Group is steward of the legislative frameworks for reducing child poverty and improving child wellbeing through the Child and Youth Strategy. We also support Child and Youth Ministers and social sector Chief Executives to oversee and drive cross-agency work focused on improving children’s outcomes, and provide policy advice to the Minister for Child Poverty Reduction on reducing material hardship and developing and implementing the Strategy.
This group is one of five in the busy, diverse and friendly Policy Branch. There’s a great vibe across the Branch where people are focused on delivering high quality policy advice in a positive, supportive team environment. We work hard to ensure policy settings are responsive to New Zealanders’ diverse needs and wellbeing while also focussing on staff wellbeing and personal work/life balance. We pride ourselves on investing in, developing and supporting staff to reach their full potential.
Mōu – Ngā Pūkenga me ngā Wheako / Skills and experience
We’re keen to hear from motivated senior policy analysts with experience working on system-level policy issues. You will need:
• strong analytical and critical thinking ability and excellent judgement
• the ability to hit your stride quickly and maintain momentum
• a track record in providing quality policy advice within central government
• excellent written and oral communication skills
• strong relationship building skills and experience working across government agencies to achieve results
• experience leading and coaching others to deliver high-quality work.
The qualities we value in candidates are:
• curiosity
• understanding of te ao Māori and commitment to upholding the Treaty of Waitangi
• perseverance
• clear communication
• a collaborative working style.
Te mahi ki konei / 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 – from childcare assistance to social housing to superannuation.
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 MSD.
We are committed to building diversity, accessibility and inclusion in our workplace.
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
• 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 Description
Senior Policy Analyst Position Description
Salary range: $113,496.00 - $137,794.00
How to apply
To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.
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.
All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at [email protected]
Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.
Closing date: Sunday 31st August, 2025.
Joining us
Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents. We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive, and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. We are a Treaty partner committed to strengthening relationships with Māori, Hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.
MSD has a COVID-19 vaccination policy that encourages, but does not require, employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and its variants, unless the role is identified as requiring vaccination at the time.
