Senior Policy Analyst | Wellington City

Job Description

 
Senior Policy Analyst 

Role type: Permanent, full-time 

Location: Wellington 

Salary band & range: General Salary Range D - $102,953 to $137,778 depending on skills and experience  

Influence decisions that drive regional development, unlock investment, and support the future of New Zealand's forestry and wood processing sector.  

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga  

Want to work on issues that influence investment decisions, strengthen industries, and create economic opportunities across New Zealand? Join the Sector Growth Team within Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service and play a key role in shaping the future of New Zealand's forestry and wood processing sector. Working across policy, investment, economic development, and strategy, you'll help deliver initiatives that drive innovation, regional growth, and long-term sector prosperity.  

The Forestry System Directorate provides operational policy and economic development advice across the forestry and wood processing system, connecting government priorities with sector outcomes. Our work spans sector development, market expansion, regional growth, land-use initiatives, and supporting investment that strengthens New Zealand's bioeconomy and forestry value chain.  

The Sector Growth Team focuses on improving firm performance, supporting regional economic development, enabling investment, and advancing opportunities across the wood processing and bioeconomy sectors. We work alongside industry, iwi, businesses, and government partners to shape initiatives that unlock growth and deliver long-term benefits for New Zealand.  

As a Senior Policy Analyst, you will have the opportunity to work on complex and high-profile issues that influence investment decisions, industry performance, innovation, and economic development outcomes.  

You will:  

• Lead strategic policy advice on the Wood Processing Growth Fund and support oversight of programme delivery.  
• Lead and contribute to policy advice on wood processing and emerging bioeconomy opportunities, including bioenergy and bioproducts.  
• Drive strategic projects involving investment, economic development, research, and innovation.  
• Develop high-quality advice for Ministers, senior leaders, and stakeholders.  
• Build strong relationships with Treaty Partners, industry leaders, businesses, and government agencies.  
• Lead economic analysis, business cases, research projects, and strategic initiatives.  
• Work collaboratively across teams, agencies, and sectors to deliver integrated solutions and meaningful outcomes. 

About You - Mōu  

You bring experience providing strategic policy advice within government and a strong understanding of the machinery of government. You have excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, strong stakeholder awareness, and a passion for supporting sustainable economic growth. 

Unlike many policy roles, this position sits at the intersection of policy, investment, economic development, and industry growth. We're seeking someone who understands how industries grow, how investment decisions are made, and how government can partner with industry to unlock opportunities and deliver long-term economic outcomes. 

You will bring experience in one or more of the following areas: economic development, investment or business case development, commercial or strategic advisory, industry development, infrastructure, finance, consulting, or policy with a strong economic focus. Experience assessing the impacts of government interventions, investment decisions, market conditions, or economic events will be highly regarded.  

Using your excellent written communication skills, you'll be confident navigating complexity, developing strategic advice, supporting delivery of projects and initiatives, and building effective relationships with Māori, industry stakeholders, and government partners. You will apply Te Tiriti principles and Te Ao Māori in your work and bring a customer-focused mindset to solving complex problems.  

Please note: We are seeking candidates with established experience in economic development, investment, strategy, commercial advisory, or policy roles with a strong economic focus. This is not a development role for individuals without a relevant professional background. 

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū  

The Sector Growth is part of the Forestry System directorate at Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service. This high-performing team fosters a collaborative, inclusive culture where all voices are valued and diverse perspectives are encouraged. With a flat structure and strong focus on support and open communication, the team is committed to sustainable growth and partnership to advance the Government's forestry objectives.  

With Directorate members based in Wellington, Rotorua, Christchurch and Gisborne, we prioritise collaboration and knowledge-sharing across locations.  

Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake?  
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 11:59pm on Wednesday 5 August.  

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