Senior Policy Analyst, multiple opportunities
Job Description
Senior Policy Analyst, multiple opportunities
Role type: Permanent, full-time
Location: Wellington City
Salary band & range: General Salary Range D: $100,934 to $118,005 depending on skills and experience
About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga
Are you passionate about shaping the future of Aotearoa New Zealand's primary industries? We're looking for curious and motivated Senior Policy Analysts to join our Policy & Trade business unit.
As a Senior Policy Analyst, you'll contribute to meaningful work that supports New Zealand's environment, economy, and communities. We have opportunities across multiple policy teams including:
About You - Mōu
Can you bring the following skills?
You do not need to meet all the role requirements to apply. We offer a breadth of development and learning opportunities and will welcome an application if you think you could make a great fit.
About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū
The Policy and Trade branch 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 highly skilled in a range of economic, science, and social disciplines.
The Aquaculture Policy team supports the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries to grow New Zealand's aquaculture industry to $3 billion. You'll have the opportunity to support strategic policy development as well as contributing to technical regulations. We also contribute to the resource management system changes to support aquaculture consenting.
The Climate Change Agriculture Policy team supports MPI and Ministers on the impacts of climate change policy in agriculture, including developing long‑term options to reduce GHG emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. As a Senior Policy Analyst, you'll work in a high‑performing, collaborative team advising on Emissions Reduction Plans, land‑use policy, GHG inventory, and market and sector-led approaches to reducing agricultural emissions. Experience working in public policy and economic experience encouraged.
The Animal Sector Policy team has a broad programme of work including strategic and regulatory policy projects and Ministerial servicing. We work across MPI, with wider government, the primary sectors and Māori interests to support economic prosperity, and environmental and social sustainability.
The Animal Welfare Policy team advises on the Animal Welfare Act, the Veterinarians Act, and wider animal welfare policy. Our work involves working with independent advisory committees and other MPI teams to develop codes of welfare and regulations that set the requirements for how animals are cared for in New Zealand – at home, on farms, and in research or entertainment. You'll work alongside a wide range of people, from technical experts and industry representatives to advocacy groups and the public, facilitating conversations and helping to bridge different perspectives into constructive, balanced advice.
The Water and Adaptive Farming team provides advice on freshwater policy that manages the primary sector's use of and impact on freshwater ecosystems. Our current work programme includes freshwater resource management reform and freshwater farm plans.
These are Wellington based roles reporting to a manager within the relevant policy team.
About MPI - Mō Te Manatū Ahu Matua
We're passionate about growing prosperity in the sector while ensuring respect for Kaitiaki – guardianship of our natural resources.
Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua
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” 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 Tuesday 14th April 2026
If you have any questions about the role, please email george.mitrakas@mpi.govt.nz
Follow MPI here - Whāia ngā tūhononga ki MPI i konei
Links to Facebook, MPI Careers, LinkedIn, X
Senior Policy Analyst, multiple opportunities
Role type: Permanent, full-time
Location: Wellington City
Salary band & range: General Salary Range D: $100,934 to $118,005 depending on skills and experience
About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga
Are you passionate about shaping the future of Aotearoa New Zealand's primary industries? We're looking for curious and motivated Senior Policy Analysts to join our Policy & Trade business unit.
As a Senior Policy Analyst, you'll contribute to meaningful work that supports New Zealand's environment, economy, and communities. We have opportunities across multiple policy teams including:
- Aquaculture Policy
- Climate Change & Agriculture Policy
- Animal Sector Policy
- Animal Welfare Policy
- Water & Adaptive Farming Policy
- Lead policy advice and contribute to legislation and regulation that supports our primary sectors.
- Work collaboratively across MPI and with other government agencies on a range of policy issues.
- Work with others in your team and across the branch to grow our collective policy skills.
- Build strong relationships with stakeholders to help shape practical, effective policy.
About You - Mōu
Can you bring the following skills?
- Intellectual and professional leadership to lead complex policy work alongside MPI and external agency partners
- Significant experience in a policy role delivering excellent advice, preferably at a senior level
- Confidence navigating ambiguous issues
- Enthusiasm for supporting others and contributing to a high-performing team culture
- A superb communicator who will grow our team's influence
- The ability to work with tangata whenua to meet the Government's obligations under te Tiriti.
You do not need to meet all the role requirements to apply. We offer a breadth of development and learning opportunities and will welcome an application if you think you could make a great fit.
About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū
The Policy and Trade branch 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 highly skilled in a range of economic, science, and social disciplines.
The Aquaculture Policy team supports the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries to grow New Zealand's aquaculture industry to $3 billion. You'll have the opportunity to support strategic policy development as well as contributing to technical regulations. We also contribute to the resource management system changes to support aquaculture consenting.
The Climate Change Agriculture Policy team supports MPI and Ministers on the impacts of climate change policy in agriculture, including developing long‑term options to reduce GHG emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. As a Senior Policy Analyst, you'll work in a high‑performing, collaborative team advising on Emissions Reduction Plans, land‑use policy, GHG inventory, and market and sector-led approaches to reducing agricultural emissions. Experience working in public policy and economic experience encouraged.
The Animal Sector Policy team has a broad programme of work including strategic and regulatory policy projects and Ministerial servicing. We work across MPI, with wider government, the primary sectors and Māori interests to support economic prosperity, and environmental and social sustainability.
The Animal Welfare Policy team advises on the Animal Welfare Act, the Veterinarians Act, and wider animal welfare policy. Our work involves working with independent advisory committees and other MPI teams to develop codes of welfare and regulations that set the requirements for how animals are cared for in New Zealand – at home, on farms, and in research or entertainment. You'll work alongside a wide range of people, from technical experts and industry representatives to advocacy groups and the public, facilitating conversations and helping to bridge different perspectives into constructive, balanced advice.
The Water and Adaptive Farming team provides advice on freshwater policy that manages the primary sector's use of and impact on freshwater ecosystems. Our current work programme includes freshwater resource management reform and freshwater farm plans.
These are Wellington based roles reporting to a manager within the relevant policy team.
About MPI - Mō Te Manatū Ahu Matua
We're passionate about growing prosperity in the sector while ensuring respect for Kaitiaki – guardianship of our natural resources.
Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua
- Additional MPI leave days
- Annual Wellness payment
- Career development and internal opportunities across the branch and organisation
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” 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 Tuesday 14th April 2026
If you have any questions about the role, please email george.mitrakas@mpi.govt.nz
Follow MPI here - Whāia ngā tūhononga ki MPI i konei
Links to Facebook, MPI Careers, LinkedIn, X