Senior Policy Analyst - International Policy

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 - International Policy

• Permanent Role
• Wellington Based

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Policy Analyst to join our International Policy team at the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). 

About the role - Mō te tūnga

Do you enjoy complex policy issues, that intersect international affairs and New Zealand’s social security system? Are you interested in bi-lateral negotiations, or multilateral engagement? Are you passionate about coaching and mentoring others?

We are looking for a Senior Policy Analyst to help lead policy advice on the international settings of New Zealand’s social security system, and who can engage internationally to support New Zealanders to be safe, strong and independent. 
 

The International Policy Team is responsible for negotiating New Zealand’s Social Security Agreements, and for policy development and advice on entitlements for New Zealanders living overseas and the impact of overseas benefits and pensions on NZ entitlements. We also lead on navigating the impacts of international incidents on the social security system and manage MSD’s international obligations and relationships.

This team is part of a 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.

Skills and experience - Mōu – Ngā Pūkenga me ngā Wheako

We are looking for motivated people with experience in solving complex problems and formulating high-quality policy advice for a range of stakeholders and projects. Ideally you will have:

• experience leading policy projects within central government
• a track record in providing quality policy advice on complex issues
• strong analytical and critical thinking ability with excellent judgement
• strong relationship building skills and experience leading engagement with stakeholders, both internally and externally as well as with overseas counterparts
• leadership ability, including a demonstrated passion for leading and coaching others to deliver high-quality work
• proven ability to work through ambiguity and deliver results 
• a demonstrated ability to navigate issues and relationships with sensitivity to the political context
• experience in interpreting and developing legislation would be an asset
   

Benefits of working in Policy at MSD - Tā mātou e tuku ana
 

We are a large organisation with policies and services that support most New Zealanders at some point in their life – from Child Care 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

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.  We can offer flexible working arrangements
 

Position Description

Senior Policy Analyst Position Description

Salary range: $112,372.00 - $136,429.00

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 30th March, 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.