Senior/Policy Analyst

Do you have the courage to champion complex ideas about critical health and social issues in a sensitive policy environment?

Here’s a chance for you to use your exceptional policy and analytical skills to effect change on alcohol and other drug issues.

You will have solid policy development experience, excellent writing skills, and a proven ability to build effective relationships.  You can think innovatively about ways to analyse, communicate and advocate within a resource-limited organisation. You will be sensitive to the serious harms alcohol and other drugs cause individuals, families and communities, and have a commitment to excellence. 

This role is ideal for an analyst at an intermediate level wanting to extend their skills.  Success in this role is critical to the Drug Foundation’s reputation as a credible and rigorous policy organisation.

Who we are looking for
The person appointed to this position will be skilled at managing a range of different areas of work and ensuring all work is high quality.  They will understand the sensitivities around drug policy issues, and can find the best ways to analyse and communicate complex ideas in an environment where diverse political views, strong community concern and high emotional charge pose interesting challenges. While acknowledging these sensitivities, the person in this role will be fearless in promoting the Drug Foundation’s position and challenging myths and misconceptions about drugs, drug policy and people who use drugs.

The person appointed to this position will have the following skills and attributes:

• Relevant tertiary qualification and at least 4 years relevant professional experience in policy analysis (i.e. someone in a current analyst/intermediate role who is willing to step up to a senior level)
• An understanding of the policy development process, and of the social, economic, political and cultural context within which policy advice is given
• Proven analytical skills and the ability to produce and recognise high quality work
• A commitment to excellence in the delivery of policy advice
• Superior written and verbal communications skills, with an eye for detail and clarity of message
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with colleagues and key stakeholders, and to work constructively with a wide range of people
• Excellent organisational skills, and an ability to manage own work, set priorities, work independently within tight deadlines, and cooperatively in a small team environment
• An understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi and its principles, and its application to public health work
• Ability to work creatively, be innovative and open to new ideas in a resource-limited organisation
• Ability to lead and manage projects
• Willing to travel for conferences and events
• Prior experience in alcohol and drug policy is a distinct advantage, including an understanding of drug law/legislative reforms, and knowledge of human rights, drugs and health.

This is a full time position based in Wellington.

Applicants for this position can obtain an information pack from our website below or from us (phone 04 801 6303 or email admin@drugfoundation.org.nz).