Policy Analyst

Type: x2 Fixed terms
Hours: Full time 
Location: Wellington
Business Group: Local Government Policy, Partnerships and Operations
Branch: Policy and Te Tiriti
Salary: $77,380 - $96,295

• Are you a good writer, able to communicate complex information in a clear and succinct way? 
• Are you looking to work in a supportive team, on projects that have real-world impact for New Zealanders?
• Do you have experience in or knowledge of the local government sector? 

The Local Government Policy, Partnerships and Operations Group is looking for two policy analysts on a fixed term, one to join our Operational Policy team (fixed-term until 31 July 2026) and the other for the Governance and Democracy team (fixed-term until 28 August 2026).

Mō te tīma | About our teams

The Local Government Policy, Partnerships and Operations Group is the Government's lead advisor on local government. We provide a long-term vision for the local government system and what is needed to ensure its effective operation and delivery for the people of Aotearoa New Zealand. We blend local government expertise, specialised policy advice and operational delivery and oversight.

The first of these roles sits in the Operational Policy team. The Operational Policy work programme is broad and dynamic, from providing advice to the Minister of Local Government on the use of Intervention Powers under the Local Government Act 2002, to supporting communities on Aotearoa's offshore islands and the Chatham Islands. The team also administers legislation like the Dog Control Act and the Rates Rebate Act, and supports the Department's role in the local elections process. 

The other role sits in our Governance and Democracy team. This team has a focus on local government system legislation and electoral matters relating to local government. We deliver expert advice that supports New Zealanders to take part in local democracy and be represented by their mayors and councillors in daily decision-making. Our current work programme includes progressing the Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill. 

Mōu | About you

To succeed in one of these roles you will need:

• experience in, or good knowledge of, the local government sector or system
• good writing skills and experience with policy analysis 
• an inquiring mind, open to new ways of obtaining information from a range of sources.
• the ability to operate in ambiguous situations, and find opportunities to build relationships

We are an equal opportunity employer and value 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. 

The roles are full-time, but hours can be negotiable for the right candidate. DIA offers flexible working arrangements by default. The current expectations are that staff will spend at least three days per week in the office.  

Applications close:  5pm, 9 September 2025
For more information please contact: Anthea.Oliver@dia.govt.nz  
Job description: To review the full job description, please click here.

At the Department of Internal Affairs, the work we do makes New Zealand a better place for those born here, and those new New Zealanders who have chosen to call this country home.