Senior Policy Analyst

Mō te tūnga | About the Roles

This is an opportunity to work with a team focused on enabling disabled peoples’ economic participation and human capability across their lives.

We have 2 Senior Policy Analyst roles:

• 1 x permanent
• 1 x fixed term until August 2027.

The reason for the fixed term role is to backfill one of our Senior Policy Analysts who is on an internal secondment.

You will either lead our policy advice and engagement around:

• lifting employment outcomes for disabled people; or
• tertiary education and transitions for disabled young people from school to further education and employment.

There will also be opportunities to support colleagues working on early childhood policy and education.

You’ll get to develop and demonstrate your ability to work strategically and collaboratively across government by:

• Working with government agencies to support the implementation of the New Zealand Disability Strategy.
• Contributing to other cross-government policy work to improve outcomes for disabled people.
• Collaborating with agencies to strengthen disability perspectives in policy development.
• Supporting the professional development of your teammates.

Mōu | About You:

You bring:

• Proven ability to develop and lead evidence-based complex policy development and work through ambiguity in complex systems.
• Strong knowledge of policy and government processes, including navigating Cabinet and Ministerial decision processes.
• Excellent relationship-building skills and a collaborative approach.
• Ability to analyse complex issues and communicate clearly in accessible ways.
• Confidence in supporting team members through collaboration, quality assurance and coaching.
• Commitment to understanding the diverse lived experience of disabled people and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Experience in employment or education policy is an advantage but not essential.

We encourage applications from Deaf and disabled people, Turi Māori, tāngata whaikaha Māori, and those with lived experience. If you’re passionate about inclusion and ready to learn, we’d love to hear from you.

He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga | Position Description:

The job description and application process for the role can be found here: Work with us | Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People

Salary Range: $113,725 - $138,071

Mō mātou | About us:

At Whaikaha, we work with government, businesses, and communities to create real change for Deaf and disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori.

We value wellbeing and provide a supportive, inclusive environment.

The positions are based in Wellington.

Ka Kati Ngā Tono hei te | Applications Close: Sunday, 13 September 2026

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply:

We welcome diverse ways of applying—video, whānau support, or traditional CV and cover letter.

You can click the 'Apply' button to complete the online form or let us know what works best for you by emailing: [email protected].

If you work for Whaikaha please apply through the myHR portal so that your employee profile is visible as an internal candidate.

Please note, MSD applicants should apply as external candidates.

If you want to know more about the role, email the Economic Participation team manager: [email protected]