Senior Policy Analyst, Regulatory Stewardship | Wellington City

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Policy Analyst, Regulatory Stewardship

Role type: Fixed Term, full-time

Start Date: 2 June 2025

End Date: 29 May 2026

Location: Wellington City

General Salary Range D: $98,955 to $132,427 depending on skills and experience

(Midpoint for this position is $115,691 per annum)

Kōrero mō te Tūranga - About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Policy Analyst to join the Biosecurity Partnerships Policy and Regulatory Stewardship team, which sits within the Regulatory Systems Policy directorate of Policy & Trade. The Regulatory Systems Policy directorate leads the development of high-level strategies for the food, exports, animal welfare and biosecurity systems, and the policy and regulatory frameworks that MPI operates within.

This will be a 12-month fixed-term, based in Wellington City from June 2025 – May 2026.

As a Senior Policy Analyst, you will take the lead on a specific project focused on High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) regulations, which needs to be established by February 2026. These regulations will concentrate on safeguarding poultry flocks when HPAI reaches New Zealand.  

As part of this role, you will:

• Provide clear, accurate, and well-reasoned policy advice that anticipates and meets the needs of the Minister and communicates complex issues and concepts;
• Support and lead engagement with delivery agencies, stakeholders, and government agencies to ensure the advice provided is practical and effective;
• Develop innovative, practical, effective, and durable policy options to achieve desired outcomes;
• Collaborate with peers in Policy & Trade and other Departments on cross-government policy development;
• Create and maintain effective internal and external relationships on the progress of specific issues.

 Mōu - About You

You will ideally be working as a Senior Policy Analyst or in a similar role, with strong regulatory experience and including prior experience leading consultation and negotiations.

You will be a proactive and curious individual who will be able to demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills, a solution focussed approach, and a proven ability to forge effective partnerships. You will draw on your experience to promote a collaborative approach within the team and have the ability to effectively present complex information to different stakeholder groups.

To be successful in this role, you will be able to demonstrate:

• Experience as a senior policy analyst or in a strongly similar working environment;
• Critical thinking and analytical skills to solve complex policy problems;
• Experience using a range of oral, written, and visual mediums to communicate effectively in diverse situations;
• Ability to provide clear, concise, well-reasoned, articulate and practical advice;
• Strong self-motivation, with a demonstrated curiosity and desire to learn more;
• A demonstrated ability to anticipate possible challenges and prepare for or mitigate them;
• Flexibility and comfort with working with ambiguity;
• Ability to build and maintain a network of relationships with stakeholders across MPI, other Government agencies, and Industry.

Mō tō mātou Rōpū - About the Team  

Policy and Trade provides sector-level strategic thinking and evidence-based advice for effective government decision-making for systems related to agriculture, forestry, fisheries, biosecurity, food, animal welfare and rural communities. Our people are our greatest resource. They are collaborative, supportive, passionate, and are highly skilled in a range of economic, science and social disciplines.

This is a Wellington based role reporting to the Manager Biosecurity Partnerships Policy and Regulatory Stewardship and works alongside a mix of Policy Analysts including a Principal Adviser and Senior Policy Analysts.

The Biosecurity Partnerships Policy and Regulatory Stewardship team works in partnership with other parts of MPI and government agencies to steward the regulatory systems we administer. This team brings a mix of strong industry knowledge and promotes strategic thinking. The team has a collaborative working style so that everyone feels supported in contributing to their collective goals.

The team also works closely with the wider Policy & Trade branch, government agencies and industry so there is ample opportunity to build meaningful relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua - About MPI

We're passionate about growing prosperity in the sector while ensuring respect for Kaitiaki – guardianship of our natural resources.

Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake? - Are you ready to make a difference?

We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori.

We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatū Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.

In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.

To view the position description and/or apply online, please click “APPLY FOR THIS JOB” or visit the MPI Careers Site. To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it – click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 18 May.

If you have any questions about the role, please email Louise Devine@mpi.govt.nz 

Whāia ngā tūhononga ki MPI i konei – Follow MPI here

Links to Facebook, MPI Careers, LinkedIn, X