Senior Policy Analyst, Animal Welfare Policy

at  NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Job Title: Senior Policy Analyst, Animal Welfare Policy
Role type: Permanent, full-time
Location: Wellington City
Salary band & range: GSR Range D, $98,955 to $132,427 depending on skills and experience.

KORERO MO TE TURANGA - ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a Senior Policy Analyst to join the Animal Welfare Policy team in the Regulatory Systems Policy directorate within MPI’s Policy & Trade branch.
Policy & Trade 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.
The Animal Welfare Policy team is responsible for advising the Government on the Animal Welfare Act, the Veterinarians Act, and animal welfare matters more broadly. Alongside two ministerial advisory committees, we develop codes of welfare that set the requirements for how animals are treated in diverse environments, from people’s homes, on farms, and in entertainment and research facilities. We engage regularly with animal advocacy organisations and the wider public to understand their expectations on how animals in New Zealand should be treated.
The role will provide you with an opportunity to develop policy advice, design and deliver interventions on legislation and regulations, and contribute to high-profile work. You will get to mix both strategic and regulatory thinking to identify solutions that balance economic, legal and ethical considerations. The subjects you’ll grapple with are complex and challenging, and there are numerous opportunities for you to grow your skills and develop your career.

To be successful in this role, you will be able to demonstrate:

• A strong understanding and experience developing legislation and/or regulations, including taking amendments to completion.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills to solve complex policy problems and forge agreement between competing interests and viewpoints.
• Experience in a policy/regulatory role and navigating Parliamentary and Cabinet processes.
• Comfort with ambiguity, including the ability to make decisions under pressure, find agreement, and adapt to changing environments.
• Experience within the primary sectors and production livestock is desirable, but by no means essential