Senior Policy Advisor

Te whiwhinga mahi | The Opportunity

A central government policy team in Wellington is shaping the future of New Zealand's school network — the policy that decides what schools we need, where and why. The team is currently establishing a new Crown entity to manage the school property portfolio and building the Government Policy Statement that will govern that relationship. It's meaty, visible, nation-shaping work.

He aha koe e whiwhi ai? | What's in it for you?

• Salary range $101,000 – $145,000, with a midpoint around $120,000 and room to move depending on experience
• Wellington-based role within an experienced, well-regarded policy team
• A work programme with genuine national profile — a new Crown entity, a new GPS and a full review of network settings
• Breadth across multiple policy areas rather than a single narrow lane
• Leadership scope, including coaching and supporting analysts in the team

Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the Role

As Senior Policy Analyst you'll lead the development of high-quality advice for Ministers on complex, sometimes contentious policy issues — enrolment schemes and school zoning, where and how the network grows or rationalises, school transport, charter schools, and Māori medium and Kaupapa Māori schooling. You'll help carve off and stand up a new Crown entity and develop the Government Policy Statement that shapes how that relationship works. The team already has deep technical bench strength, so this role is as much about engagement, consultation and relationship building as it is about analysis. You'll lead projects, supervise and coach others, and influence direction across agencies.

Ngā kawenga | Key Responsibilities

• Lead analysis on complex, sensitive education policy issues, including where scope is ambiguous or not well defined
• Develop high-quality policy advice for Ministers within required timeframes, using sound analytical frameworks and tools
• Contribute to establishing a new Crown entity and developing the Government Policy Statement that governs the relationship
• Prepare ministerial correspondence, Parliamentary questions, briefing notes, Official Information Act responses, Cabinet papers and reports
• Lead multiple complex policy projects, managing progress, risk, reporting and quality assurance
• Lead cross-agency and cross-ministry work so implementation advice is built into policy development
• Build and influence relationships with internal teams, delivery partners and external stakeholders on contentious topics
• Provide individual support and coaching to Policy Analysts, and contribute to peer review and policy appraisal

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills & Experience

• Proven track record leading public policy analysis and advising government on complex social, education, economic or regulatory issues
• Confident across core policy craft — reports to Ministers, Cabinet papers, budget bids, OIAs and correspondence
• Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, and the ability to apply a range of techniques appropriately
• Thorough understanding of New Zealand's machinery of government and legislative processes, ideally including Budget and Cabinet processes
• Excellent verbal and written communication, with the ability to present complex issues clearly and concisely
• Awareness of and sensitivity to Māori cultural values, and an understanding of the principles of te Tiriti o Waitangi and their implications for policy development
• Tertiary qualification in public policy, education, economics, law or a related discipline, or equivalent experience

Apply now with your current CV.

For further information please contact Peter Crestani, Branch Manager, Wellington, on peter@frogrecruitment.co.nz

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At people2people, Edge Recruitment and Frog Recruitment, we welcome everyone and encourage people to be their authentic selves. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact your recruitment consultant so we can support your needs.