_{29th September, 2026}

About the role
As a Principal Analyst Policy, you will lead complex and strategic policy work and provide high-quality advice that supports better outcomes for Pacific peoples.
You will lead strategic policy work across the Ministry’s work programme, identifying emerging issues, developing options and recommendations, and shaping effective responses across government.
You will provide leadership and quality assurance across policy project, senior leaders and public sector agencies, and coach and mentor policy staff to strengthen the Ministry’s policy capability.

What you’ll bring
Here at the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, we value a diverse range of talents and backgrounds.
Our ideal candidate will bring:

• A proven track record of delivering high-quality policy analysis and advice
• Significant experience working in policy and leading complex policy projects.
• Strong understanding of the New Zealand policy process, machinery of government and government decision-making.
• The ability to identify emerging policy issues and provide strategic advice on options, risks and opportunities.
• Strong quality-assurance skills and the ability to support clear, concise and robust policy advice.
• Experience providing intellectual and professional leadership, including coaching and mentoring policy practitioners.
• Strong relationship and stakeholder-management skills, with established networks across government and the ability to work effectively across agencies.
• The ability to provide trusted advice to senior leaders, Ministers’ offices and other senior stakeholders.
• A demonstrated commitment to working with and for Pacific peoples, including an understanding of Pacific perspectives and the ability to build credibility with Pacific communities.
• A relevant tertiary qualification, ideally in public policy, politics, international relations, economics, law or a related discipline.

Why join us?
We offer a supportive, inclusive workplace where you can grow professionally, protect your wellbeing and contribute to meaningful work.
We offer attractive employment benefits including:

• Healthcare insurance
• Subsidised eye care
• Three additional annual leave days between Christmas and New Year

The work is challenging and varied, with the opportunity to provide policy advice on issues that matter for Pacific peoples and to contribute to better outcomes across government and for all New Zealand. A thriving and prosperous Pacific community brings benefits for all Aotearoa.

Our Organisation – Ministry for Pacific Peoples
The Ministry for Pacific Peoples is the Crown’s principal advisor on policies and interventions aimed at improving outcomes for Pacific peoples in New Zealand. We bring Pacific voice, perspective and understanding into policy and government decision-making.

Our Policy team provides robust, strategic, evidenced-based Pacific policy advice and analysis to Ministers and other agencies and supports the development of effective strategies and programmes aimed at improving short-, medium- and long-term outcomes for Pacific communities.

Our workplace culture is focused on creating an environment where everyone feels involved, respected and connected to the Pacific communities we serve. We are guided by Pacific values: Ola fetufaaki (Reciprocity), Tapuakiga (Spirituality), Soalaupule (Consensus), Piri’anga (Collectivism), Fakalilifu (Respect), Magafaoa (Family), and Aro’a (Love).

As Tangata te Tiriti, we also have an important role in supporting the Crown in its relationships with Māori under the Treaty of Waitangi and te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Interested? – How to apply
Please complete an online application form by clicking Apply below or through our careers site at www.mpp.govt.nz.
If you would like more information, please email recruitment@mpp.govt.nz.
To see a copy of the job description please copy and paste the link below. 
https://www.mpp.govt.nz/assets/People-Culture/New-JD-links/Principal-Analyst-Policy-FINAL.pdf
The role is a full-time fixed term role until the end of June 2027.
This role fits within our salary range of $110,376 - $165,564 per annum.
Closing date: 5pm, Tuesday 13 October 2026
Please note:
1. Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand with a valid visa.
2. We may assess and review applications as they are received, so we encourage you to apply early

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