Senior Change Analyst

About usThe Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT) takes a long-term view of how New Zealand’s towns, cities and regions grow and change. We work across housing, transport, the environment, urban development, infrastructure and investment, and partner closely with local government.MCERT is leading the implementation of the Planning System Transformation Programme, a significant, long-term programme to support the shift to a new planning system. The transformation will affect a wide range of people and organisations across the planning system and requires practical, coordinated change support. About the roleWe’re looking for two Senior Change Analysts to join the People, Readiness and Change function within the programme. These roles will support the delivery of practical, well-managed change activity for the people and organisations that will work within the new planning system.You’ll work as part of a team supporting change analysis, readiness, engagement, capability, transition and adoption activity across a complex programme.  You’ll help identify what is changing, who is affected, what support is needed, and how change activity can be planned and delivered at the right time.What you’ll doWorking across the programme, you will support change activity from early analysis and preparation through to implementation, transition and adoption. You will:- identify, document and validate change impacts for affected groups, including people readiness, capability, support and adoption considerations

• support the development and delivery of practical change and transition plans aligned with wider initiative delivery plans
• gather, analyse and present evidence to support change planning, readiness assessment and decision-making
• work with engagement, communications, learning and other specialist teams to make sure change activity is coordinated and practical
• support workshops, interviews and engagement with stakeholders to understand impacts, risks, readiness and support needs
• help identify capability and learning needs and support the development of responses that prepare people and organisations for change
• track change risks, issues, dependencies and readiness measures, and help ensure they are visible and managed
• support adoption activity by using feedback, evidence and readiness information to adjust change activity as needs emerge
• prepare clear, practical material for delivery teams, senior leaders and affected groups.
• You will be expected to take a lead role in shaping analysis, advising on change responses, and supporting the integration of change management into delivery planning. You will bring confidence working with senior stakeholders and the ability to guide practical change activity in a complex delivery environment.

What we’re looking forWe’re looking for practical, collaborative change practitioners who can work well in complexity and turn information into clear action. You’ll be comfortable working across multiple priorities, building strong relationships, and leading change activity that helps people and organisations move successfully to a new way of working.You will bring:- significant experience supporting or delivering change in complex programme, transformation, reform or organisational environments

• strong practical experience in change impact analysis, readiness assessment, stakeholder engagement, communications, learning, transition support or adoption activity
• strong analytical skills, with the ability to gather information, identify themes, assess implications and present clear findings
• sound judgement and the ability to turn complexity into practical actions, advice and usable outputs
• strong relationship and collaboration skills across different disciplines, organisations and stakeholder groups
• confidence facilitating workshops, conversations and engagement with affected groups and senior stakeholders
• clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce concise, audience-focused material
• the ability to work at pace, manage competing priorities and adapt as delivery needs evolve
• an understanding of change management approaches and how to apply them in a practical way
• Ideally you will have experience working within government, public sector reform, or large-scale transformation programmes.
• We are looking for people with stronger experience leading pieces of change analysis, advising delivery teams and working with senior stakeholders. Ideally, you will have experience working within government, public sector reform, or large-scale transformation programmes.

Working with usYou will work closely with colleagues across the People, Readiness and Change function and the wider programme, bringing the right expertise together to deliver change activity that is coordinated, practical and focused on the needs of the people and organisations affected by the transformation.This is an opportunity to contribute to a once-in-a-generation reform programme that will have lasting impact across New Zealand. Help shape the future of how communities, environments, and regions are supported across New Zealand. Bring your expertise, curiosity, and passion for transformation, and help us turn reform into reality.Salary range  Salary range for the Senior Change Analyst roles is $111,827 to $135,738 per annum.

Appointment within these range will be based on skills and experience.

Apply now

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and cover letter.  Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.

The location for this role is Wellington, other major centres considered for the right candidate.Applications Close - Sunday 18th October 2026