Senior Operational Policy Analyst
About Us | Mō mātou
The Regulatory and Identity Services Taituarā branch regulates systems and provide services that touch almost every New Zealander. Our diverse, nationwide and international team works at the intersection of innovation and integrity, with a strong commitment to cultural responsibility and authentic engagement with Māori and Pasifika communities.
The Digital Safety Group works to make the online environment safer for New Zealanders by preventing and responding to harmful digital content and behaviour. This includes addressing harms such as child sexual exploitation material, violent extremist content, and unsolicited commercial electronic messages, while working closely with domestic and international partners to disrupt offending and support safer online practices.
The role | Te tūnga
As a Senior Operational Policy Analyst, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening digital safety outcomes by translating legislation and strategic intent into clear, practical, and effective operational policy. Working within the Operational Policy (Regulatory and Digital Safety) team, you will lead the design and delivery of operating models, procedures, and guidance that enable frontline investigators and regulators to respond confidently to complex and evolving harms. You’ll operate across both day-to-day and forward-looking priorities, maintaining and improving core policies while also contributing to system-level initiatives such as cross-agency information sharing, scam disruption, and international collaboration. Your work will help ensure policy frameworks are robust, lawful, and fit for purpose in a rapidly changing digital landscape, supporting outcomes across government and industry partners.
You will also contribute to the development and maintenance of secondary legislation and support the effective administration of relevant Acts, ensuring that regulatory settings are translated into clear, workable operational practice. This includes providing policy input into rules, regulations, and statutory instruments, interpreting legislative requirements, and advising on their practical application. You’ll work closely with legal and regulatory partners to ensure implementation is consistent, proportionate, and responsive.
This is a highly collaborative and influential role where you’ll engage across internal and external stakeholders. You’ll provide trusted advice, lead business improvement initiatives, and help shape operational responses to emerging risks, bringing thought leadership and a strong understanding of regulatory systems to deliver meaningful impact for New Zealand communities.
This position is fixed term for 12 months and open to candidates in Auckland or Wellington.
What you bring | Nōu te rourou
- Strong experience in operational policy or regulatory environments, including translating legislation into practical procedures, guidance, and operating models
- Proven ability to lead complex analysis, provide high-quality advice, and identify risks, issues, and opportunities in dynamic environments
- Experience delivering business improvement in complex systems
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence across agencies and sectors
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, user-focused policy products and documentation
- A legal or legislative background is advantageous but not essential.
- Knowledge of public sector processes and an understanding of working in partnership with Māori and the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
For you | Mōu
At the Department of Internal Affairs, we are committed to offering a collaborative and innovative culture where your perspective and ideas will be welcomed. We want our people to thrive within a culture of best practice, while being able to set and achieve goals and being encouraged to challenge the status quo.
To learn more about the diverse, important mahi we do at the Department and see why we're a great place to work check out our website https://www.dia.govt.nz/
Benefits - About Internal Affairs - Careers with us - Benefits - dia.govt.nz
The appointing range for this role is $99,025 - $123,231.
To review the full job description, please click here.
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
We are unable to accept applications via email. Please click the apply button to submit your application.
We're committed to ensuring our application process is accessible to everyone. Please let us know if there is any support, we can provide to ensure the process is accessible to you.
Applications for this role close 5pm, Tuesday 7 July 2026. Please also note that you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this role.
Additionally, you must have the ability to obtain and maintain an appropriate security clearance, if required. Use this tool to check if you might be eligible for a security clearance: Eligibility self-check tool | Protective Security Requirements
If you have any questions, please email Manager Operational Policy Regulatory Services and Digital Safety, Natalie Stagg - natalie.stagg@dia.govt.nz