Policy Analyst

• Permanent Role, Wellington-based

• Fixed-term or secondment opportunity for up to 6 months

About the role | Te āhuatunga a te tūranga Are you passionate about making a difference for New Zealanders? We are seeking a motivated Policy Analyst to join the Welfare System and Income Support Policy Group at the Ministry of Social Development / Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora (MSD). The Welfare System and Income Support Policy Group is made up of two teams that work very closely together. Team members have opportunities to work across both teams on a broad range of work programme areas. The Welfare System team provides advice on system-level welfare settings to support the government’s welfare reforms to ensure that the welfare system is fair, accessible and fit for purpose. Current high-priority projects include enabling the use of automated decision making and welfare settings for 18/19 year-olds. The Income Support team provides advice on the design of the income support system, which includes considering the adequacy of payments and impacts on poverty and inequality, the impacts on financial incentives to work, and the interactions of these payments with other systems. Some key current work programme areas include the policy design for Income Charging (using PAYE information shared by Inland Revenue to calculate how much financial assistance people can receive from MSD), annual adjustments to benefit rates and payments, and policy settings related to Working for Families. Across the group there are a diverse range of opportunities, including working on high-priority Ministerial initiatives, progressing changes to primary legislation, and developing advice with direct operational implications. We work hard to ensure policy settings reflect the diverse needs and wellbeing of New Zealanders while maintaining a strong focus on staff wellbeing and personal work/life balance. We pride ourselves on investing in, developing and supporting staff to reach their full potential. The wider Policy Branch provides advice to several Ministerial portfolios, including: social development and employment; child wellbeing and poverty reduction; disability issues; housing; seniors; and youth. The Policy Branch works closely with other teams within the Ministry as well as other government agencies and key external stakeholders. Skills and experience | He pūkenga tou We're keen to hear from motivated Policy Analysts 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. Things we are looking for in all applicants:

• strong analytical and critical thinking ability

• a track record producing quality policy advice or contributing to advice that is clear, well-reasoned and politically neutral

• great people skills and managing stakeholders, internally and externally

• clear communication skills

• understanding of te Ao Māori and commitment to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi

• data and quantitative skills and experience are particularly desirable

The qualities we value in candidates are:

• curiosity

• ability to work at pace

• perseverance and resilience under pressure

• clear communication skills

• collaborative working style

Benefits of working in Policy at MSD

• We work with a strong sense of purpose and people focus to deliver high quality policy advice in a fun, supportive environment that values everyone’s contributions. We are proud of the collaboration that occurs across teams and the culture we’ve created

• We are a large organisation with policies and services that support most New Zealanders at some point in their life – from Childcare Assistance to Superannuation

• We work collaboratively with the service delivery groups of our ministry, to ensure fit for purpose policies – you can see the policies you’ve developed right through to operational implementation

• MSD’s strategic direction – Te Pae Tawhiti – 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.

If you like variety in your work, and enjoy contributing to a friendly, collaborative team environment, we welcome your application. Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga To view the position description, please click here: Policy Analyst position descriptionSalary | Utu-ā-tau: $79,200.00 - $95,873.00

Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: 11.59pm on Wednesday, 21st October 2026

About us | Mō mātou

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) 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 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.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

Before you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment

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. Please highlight which role you are applying for and how your experience relates to the things we are looking for.

We may also be accepting candidates for other policy teams. MSD’s Policy branch is made up of the following groups:

• Regional, Social and Inquiries

• International, Disability and Generational

• Housing, Employment and Labour Market

• Welfare System and Income Support

• Child Wellbeing and Poverty Reduction

• Transformation

All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at jobs@msd.govt.nz

Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.

Joining us | Ko te hono mai

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. You can find out more about our values here.

If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.