Policy Director - Labour & Immigration Policy branch

Job Description

Take your Policy Career to the Next Level: Policy Director – Labour & Immigration Policy Branch

• Permanent role
• Wellington based
• Contribute to key government priorities

About the role

We are seeking a Policy Director for the Labour and Immigration Policy branch. We are a busy and high performing policy shop with a significant work programme that contributes to economic and social policy objectives.

This is a senior policy role that supports the General Manager to set the strategic direction for the branch and influence the broader work of the Ministry.  As a policy director, you will provide connections across the branch and group, support the delivery of our work programme, including by providing leadership of complex whole-of-government and multi-sector issues.  You will work collaboratively with senior managers to build the capability of the branch and to ensure the quality and consistency of policy advice and practices to support MBIE's strategic direction.  You will be a leader and an expert, bringing significant depth of experience, political nous, and strong relationship skills. 

The Labour and Immigration Policy branch's goal is to support a strong and resilient labour market that secures good outcomes for workers and grows highly productive firms. The branch is the Government's lead policy advisor on labour market policy and employment, including stewardship of four regulatory systems: employment relations and standards, immigration, health and safety at work, and accident compensation. The branch seeks to understand labour market performance and challenges, support Ministers to set a clear policy direction across all labour market policy areas, ensure the regulatory systems are fit for purpose and well managed, improve the skills base of the working population, and support high participation in work.  We work closely with regulators and service delivery partners, as well as external stakeholders.  We are specifically interested in hearing from people with a background in economics or labour markets, regulatory policy design, and/or public policy.

Our current work programme includes pay equity, migrant exploitation, skills shortages, and the future of work.

The role works closely with a range of other internal and external stakeholders including the other policy teams and service delivery arms within MBIE, other Government agencies, regions, industry, sectors and businesses.

“The issues that we look at have the potential to make a significant difference to how our markets operate, and can be a significant catalyst to fuelling our growth as a country.”

Skills and Experience

To be successful, you ideally will have;

• Strategic thinking skills and the ability to make connections within and between work programmes across the organisation and beyond.
• A wide ranging knowledge of policy development disciplines and processes, including the latest developments in techniques and practices. 
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with Ministers, senior public service officials, internal and external stakeholders.
• A solid understanding of the key influences on the New Zealand economy and business environment, and on New Zealand's lasting prosperity and wellbeing.
• The desire to work on whole-of-organisation, whole-of-government and whole-of-public sector issues.
• A tertiary qualification, preferably post-graduate, in social science, economics, law, public policy or a related discipline and relevant experience in a senior public sector role.
• Significant experience in leading policy work at senior levels, working with regulatory policy and policy design.
• Demonstrated political nous and pragmatism – and an ability to partner with others.

Interested?

To find out more about this position, please download a copy of the position description. If you would like more information please contact Peter van de Merwe via Peter.vandeMerwe@mbie.govt.nz.

To apply, please submit your application online by clicking on the ‘Apply Online' button. This will allow you to register your details and upload your CV and covering letter.

Applications close Sunday 29th April 2018.

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