Senior Policy Advisors x 2 | Kaitohutohu Kaupapahere Matua - Wellington
This is a great opportunity to lead complex policy work, influence system-wide change, and progress your career in a space that's growing in importance and visibility.
2 x roles available - 1 x permanent, 1 x fixed-term until 31st August 2026
Bring your strong policy and mentoring skills and experience
Contribute to meaningful work focused on the data system in Aotearoa New Zealand
Wellington based role
The roles | Te tūnga
This is a unique opportunity for experienced policy professionals to help shape the future of New Zealand's data system. You'll be part of a small, high-performing team working at the heart of government, advising on how data can be used more effectively to improve outcomes for Aotearoa.
The team works across the data and statistics system to identify opportunities, influence system settings, and lead work that enables better use of data. Current areas of focus include:
Supporting social investment through integrated, longitudinal data
Strategic planning for the future of macroeconomic statistics
Creating the authorising environment for greater use of administrative data
Adapting to the digital era and meeting evolving customer needs
Fostering trust and confidence in how data is used and protected.
What's in it for you? | Ngā hua ka riro ki a koe
Tatauranga Aotearoa Stats NZ are dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion, health, and wellbeing. We welcome every gender, ethnicity, ability, religion, age, and background and encourage all our people to be their authentic selves.
Starting salary: $96,307 - $130,298 + superannuation
The Policy team at Stats NZ is a small, hard-working and fun group of professionals who maintain a customer-centric philosophy. Here you'll find:
diverse strategic and tactical policy work supporting senior leaders, with opportunities to lead and front work
supportive management and a hardworking team
comfortable, modern offices in central Wellington
varied and important work for Stats NZ and Aotearoa's data future
a competitive salary
a broad range of employee-led social and community groups.
What you bring | Nōu te rourou
To be successful in this role you'll need to be able to hit the ground running, with the agility to work across a range of complex subjects. You'll need:
a thorough understanding of public policy and the machinery of government
a proven track record in leading complex policy deliverables
a minimum of five years of experience in policy analysis and development
strong planning and coaching skills
the ability to effectively analyse information, provide context, and shape it into actionable policy insights
to be adept at identifying critical issues quickly and providing pragmatic solutions
expertise in crafting high-quality written reports with a strong emphasis on clarity and accuracy, ensuring that your reports meet the highest standards.
We understand transferable skills can come from experience gained from outside of work. We encourage you to be you in your application.
About us | Ko mātou
Tatauranga Aotearoa - Stats NZ is a Central Government employer of around 1200 people across Aotearoa. We provide data and statistics to support the decisions of Government, Māori and Iwi organisations, businesses, NGOs, and New Zealanders. Our work is About Aotearoa, for Aotearoa - data that improves lives today and for generations to come.
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
If this sounds like you, click on the Apply now button to be redirected to the application page on our careers site. The position description is located on the right-hand side of the page.
We will be screening applications as we receive them to move swiftly to interview. You may be asked to complete a pre-interview screen via phone or video. Please let us know in your application if we need to make any specific accommodations during our process.
Please reach out to recruitment@stats.govt.nz if you have any questions.
You must have the right to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand. Background and various pre-employment checks are part of our recruitment process.
Note to Recruitment Agencies: unsolicited CVs will not be accepted.
