Senior Policy Analyst

Type:2x Fixed term until 30 June 2026
Hours:Full time
Location:Wellington
Business Group: Local Government Policy Partnerships and Operations
Branch:Policy andTe Tiriti
Salary:$114039 - $141915

Senior Policy Analyst

• Are you a strong policy professional who enjoys working at pace while wrangling government processes across multiple Ministers and Agencies
• Are you looking for the opportunity to work as part of a dynamic group grappling with complex policy issues
• Are you a superb communicator and manager of relationships who can represent the Department in high stakes environments
• Do you want to play a part in improving how councils approach economic growth and infrastructure development

If you can answer yes to these questions then come and join our team working across the local government system on natural and built environmentsor city and regional deals.

The Local Government Policy Partnerships and Operations Group is looking for two senior policy analysts on a fixed term one to join our Natural and Built Environments team and the other for the City and Regional Deals team (fixed term until 30 June 2026).

Its a great time to be working on local government policy. There is a lot of change underway and we have an ambitious and interesting work programme with never a dull moment. We blend local government expertise specialised policy advice and operational delivery and oversight to bring about a strong local government system.

Mō te tīma About our Teams

The Natural and Built Environmentsteam is one of five teams in our Local Government Policy Partnerships and Operations Group. The Team leads on several policy areas associated with the Going for Housing Growth programme including resource management reform and does a large amount of inter-agency work especially with Housing and Urban Development and the Ministry for the Environment. The work also has close links into the Water Services Reform programme also led out of our Branch.

The largest project the team is leading is developing new funding settings for local government as part of the Going for Housing Growth programme and the design and introduction of a new Development Levies regime. This role will specifically lead the design of an independent regulator for development levies and will involve close working relationships with Housing and Urban Development the Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment and the Commerce Commission.

The City and Regional Deals team is responsible for delivering the Governments City and Regional Deals programme. These deals are based on 30-year visions for the regions with a 10-year strategic plan that will deliver shared objectives and outcomes between local and central government. Deals will help identify key initiatives and priorities that areneeded to build economic growth deliver connected and resilient infrastructure and improve the supply of affordable quality housing.

City and Regional Deals are also a platform for improving how central and local government work together to address the most pressing issues facing New Zealanders including economic growth housing growth and infrastructure development. With a combination of policy and inter-agency work direct engagement with councils and system and strategic issues to consider the programme provides a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional development.

Mōu About you

To succeed in this role you will need to be comfortable operating in a high pace environment amidst change and ambiguity working across multiple agencies and multiple Ministers.

We place our people first so you will have strong people skills and play your role in empowering and developing people to build a great team.

You will have a growth mindset be prepared to take risks ask questions and work collaboratively with others to get things right. Youll also be a great writer be able to navigate government processes and enjoy translating complex issues into practical advice.

Ideally you will have regulatory design experience and an understanding of local government funding and finance system.

Importantly you will have a delivery focus and be able to provide advice and implement programmes so that things will work on the ground.

Even more importantly while the work is serious you will not take yourself too seriously and be prepared to make a joke and have fun while working hard.

Department of Internal Affairs - Te Tari Taiwhenua

Working at the Department of Internal Affairs youll have the opportunity to make a real differencetothe lives of New Zealanders. Within the Department we play the role of being the Governments lead / chief advisor on local government.

We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We recognise a diverse workforce contributes to better business outcomes. We are committed to creating a workplace where all employees have equal access and can be their authentic selves.

How to Apply Me pēhea te tuku tono

The roles are full-time but hours can be negotiable for the right candidate. DIA offers flexible working arrangements by default.

Applications close: 11pm 12 October 2025
For more information please contact:or.
Job description:To review the full job description please click hereand the City and Regional Deals team click here