Senior Policy Advisor | Kaitohutohu Kaupapahere Matua (Fixed term)

Great opportunity to lead complex policy work, influence census modernisation policy, and progress your career in a space that's growing in importance and visibility. 

• Fixed term or interagency secondment opportunity until January 2027 - based in Wellington
• Great team culture and exciting work programme
• Contribute to meaningful work focused on the data system in Aotearoa New Zealand 

The role | Te tūnga  

This is a unique opportunity for experienced policy professionals to help shape the future of New Zealand’s data system. Reporting to the Senior Policy Manager, you’ll be part of a small, high-performing team working at the heart of government, advising on how data, and the data system, can be used more effectively to improve outcomes for Aotearoa.

Our work spans the data and statistics system, identifying opportunities, influencing system settings, and leading initiatives that enable better use of data. Current focus areas include:

• Driving work to improve agency administrative data to enhance and modernise the Census
• Census modernisation policy – supporting the Census bill to proceed through the House
• Adapting to the digital era and meeting evolving customer needs
• Fostering trust and confidence in how data is used and protected.

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 solid understanding of public policy and how government works
• Proven experience leading complex policy projects
• Ideally 5 years in policy analysis and development
• Strong planning, coaching, and analytical skills
• Ability to turn complex information into clear, actionable insights
• Quick to spot critical issues and offer practical solutions
• Skilled in producing high-quality, accurate written reports
• Willingness to upskill and increase your cultural capability

We recognise that valuable skills can come from a range of industries, including unpaid work. We welcome and value all forms of transferable skills. Please bring your full unique self to your application. 

For all our roles, we’re looking for people who: 

• Act with integrity, take responsibility, and do what’s right even when it’s hard. 
• Understand the ‘why’ behind their work and focus on delivering real value. 
• Stay curious and open to learning, seeing challenges as chances to grow. 
• Build respectful and inclusive relationships, grounded in care for others. 
• Work collaboratively across boundaries and contribute to collective outcomes. 

We don’t expect you to know everything. What matters is your genuine interest, commitment, and readiness to grow with us. Tell us about yourself in your cover letter, what attracted you to this role, and what you would bring to Stats NZ. 

About Us | Ko mātou

Stats NZ | Tatauranga Aotearoa is the National Statistics Office, leading the way in data and insights. While this is our focus, it’s our people who are central to everything we do. We value diverse perspectives and experiences, recognising that our work is strengthened by the people behind it. 

The data and insights we produce help shape decisions across government, communities, and businesses, and plays an important role in telling the story of Aotearoa New Zealand. Our mahi supports informed decision making at both national and local levels, helping improve outcomes for people, the economy, and the environment. 

We’re proud of the role we play in guiding and strengthening the data system, with a goal of delivering high quality data with equitable access for all. 

What’s in it for you? | Ngā hua ka riro ki a koe

Take a look at our Stats NZ careers site to learn more about our organisational values: He pēwhea ā tātou tikanga mahi | The way we work. 

Some key benefits include: 

• 37.5 hour work week
• 15 days sick leave allowance (to be used for yourself or people under your care)
• 3 extra leave days (taken during end-of-year office closure)
• Flu vaccines, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), and corporate rates for a variety of services and products
• Supportive leadership and a tight-knit, warm and fun team.
• Opportunities for career development and progression

We want working for us to work for you, too.

Salary: $104,137 - $131,601 (pro-rata) + KiwiSaver

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono   

If this sounds like you, click on the Apply now button to be redirect to the application page on our careers site. The position description is located on the right-hand side of the page. 

If you’d like a quick chat with the hiring manager, feel free to reach out to Chrisana.Archer@stats.govt.nz OR recruitment@stats.govt.nz if you have any general questions.  

Our process is to screen applications as we receive them, so we move to interview stage quickly.  You may be asked to complete a pre-interview screen via phone or video. Deadline for applications is 11.55pm on Sunday 28 June. The job may close before the advertised closing date depending on application numbers.

Please let us know in your application if we need to make any specific accommodations during our process. 

You must have a valid work permit or visa 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.