Principal Policy Analyst (fixed term / secondment to 30 June 2027)

Join the Customs Policy and Strategy Group!

This is a fixed term / secondment opportunity to 30 June 2027, based in our Wellington Customhouse.

Are you an experienced Principal Policy Analyst looking for an exciting short-term role? Do you want to broaden your public sector experience, and join our high-performing and friendly Policy and Strategy Group? This could be the opportunity for you!

The work Customs’ Policy Group undertakes is vital to enabling international trade, revenue collection, facilitating travel to and from New Zealand, and the protection and security of New Zealand’s border. This is an intellectually stimulating environment where you will provide policy advice and support to help Customs meet its regulatory stewardship obligations.

This role will suit someone with proven communication, analysis and strategic thinking skills. You will be familiar with the machinery of government, be able to work under pressure and be a good team player. An in-depth understanding of New Zealand’s legislative and parliamentary processes, including experience at select committee would be an advantage.

In this role, you will be expected to lead projects, coach and mentor team members, develop and provide quality advice to Customs Senior Executive Board and the Minister of Customs, as well as work collaboratively with stakeholders to address complex issues. You will be shaping a modern customs environment and ensure our regulatory systems are fit for purpose, both now and in the future.

You will be required to provide advice and trouble-shoot on matters that affect businesses, other government agencies, and private individuals. Working as part of a supportive, engaged, and high-performing Group that is committed to encouraging career development, you will work to achieve excellent results and enjoy using your initiative, judgement, and wider public sector experience.

Please note, this role also requires the successful appointee to be able to obtain and maintain an organisational security clearance.

To work for Customs, you must be able to meet the following requirements:

• Be a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident
• Residing in New Zealand at the time of application
• Have resided continuously in New Zealand for the last five years. Any exceptions to this will need to be discussed with recruitment to assess whether you will still be eligible to meet the Organisation's Security Clearance application criteria.

How to apply | Me pehea te whakauru

To express your interest online, please apply now by submitting a CV and cover letter that demonstrates your ability to meet the competencies required for the role as outlined in the position description. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Alexandra Jackson (Manager Border Management and Protection) at Alexandra.Jackson@customs.govt.nz

For internal employees looking for a secondment opportunity.

Before applying for this secondment opportunity, please ensure you have discussed the role with your manager and obtained support for your release for the duration of the secondment.

Applications close 11pm, Monday 26 October 2026.

Please apply online only via our website as we do not accept applications sent directly to our email.

New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa is a member of Diversity Works New Zealand and is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role. We also offer flexible working arrangements.