Principal Policy Analyst

Job DescriptionJob Title: Principal Policy AnalystRole Type: Permanent, full-time preferredLocation: Wellington CitySalary Band & range: C $119,376 - $153,670 depending on skills and experienceAbout the Role - Kōrero mō te TūrangaThe Principal Analyst role sits within Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Cost Recovery Directorate. MPI provides services which are critical to protecting New Zealand's biodiversity and the success of the primary industries. Cost recovery policy is essential to ensuring MPI has sufficient funding to effectively deliver these services, and ensuring the right people pay the right price for the right service. We ensure that MPI's price setting mechanisms are accurate, fair and are well regarded by industry and across the public service.The diverse nature of MPI keeps work varied and interesting. You'll lead key cost recovery policy workstreams, which can include ensuring cost recovery is enabled in new legislation, business units understand our charging practices, and opportunities are identified to amend regulations to make them simpler for MPI and fee payers.As a Principal Analyst you will provide expert cost recovery and system level advice to identify solutions. You'll support programme delivery and provide thought leadership, mentorship and coaching across the team. Your work will help shape cost-effective policy options that support MPI's strategic direction and ensure charging regulations remain accurate and fit for purpose.In this role, you will:Lead priority cost recovery policy workstreams for MPI, including periodic fundamental reviews, new initiatives, and frequent updates to regulatory settings.Provide coaching, mentoring, and advice to analystsBuild strong relationships across MPI and with external stakeholdersDevelop cost-effective policy options for Government actionApply fee and price setting experience to policy developmentDevelop strategic and system-level adviceThe Cost Recovery team work across all MPI branches and legislation to ensure the cost recovery regulations remain accurate and fit for purpose.About You - MōuWe are looking for a candidate who will provide strategic leadership and advice, can develop and maintain strong networks, shows initiative, and can demonstrate a high degree of judgement in decision making. You bring strong policy skills, fee and price setting experience, confidence in economic or financial analysis, and strong analytical skills. You'll be a collaborative team member with excellent communication skills and a desire to mentor others.We're looking for someone with strong public sector experience and deep knowledge of regulatory policy processes. You'll need to be confident with numbers and bring experience in fee and price setting not just financial analysis. You will showcase your ability to use data and insights to identify trends, risks, and opportunities to guide decision making.You will bring:Proven ability to use data and insights to identify trends, risks, and opportunities, to influence and guide organisational and system-level decision making.Ability to apply critical thinking and analytical skills when problem solvingProvision of clear, concise, well-reasoned and practical adviceExperience in fee and price settingSound political awareness and knowledge of Government processes, with proven ability to navigate ambiguity.Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills and the desire to make a positive contribution to the team.Track record of bringing people together and leading, coaching, and mentoring others to achieve outcomes.You do not need to meet all of 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 RōpūThe Cost Recovery Policy and Performance team sits within the Corporate Branch and works across the organisation. We're a small collaborative team making up half of the Cost Recovery Directorate. We provide policy advice and set MPI's cost recovery settings while working alongside the Costing and Modelling team. The team rely on each other for support and value connection with the wider Policy and Trade teams.About MPI - Mō Te Manatū Ahu MatuaWe're a large organisation with massive scope from the frontline to policy development and beyond.Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua Additional MPI leave daysAbility to purchase extra annual leaveAnnual Wellness paymentAre you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake?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 FOR THIS JOB” 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 24 November 2025 If you have any questions about the role, please email Sophie.Hallett@mpi.govt.nzFollow MPI here - Whāia ngā tūhononga ki MPI i koneiLinks to Facebook, MPI Careers, LinkedIn, X