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Policy Analyst

Kaitātari Kaupapa

Policy analysts analyse information to assist in the development, interpretation and review of government or industrial policies.

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Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter further training. Useful subjects include history and classical studies, economics, te reo Māori, geography, social studies, maths and English.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Bachelor's degree
  • Master's degree and above

Useful experience

Useful experience for policy analysts includes:

  • building and maintaining relationships with clients
  • research and interpreting statistics
  • community work
  • work in a government agency.

What you will do

Policy analysts may do some or all of the following:

  • identify issues (such as ethical, legal or political problems) to research and analyse
  • develop, interpret and review existing policies and legislation
  • consult and collaborate with interested parties
  • provide advice and recommendations to senior management and government 
  • prepare speeches, correspondence and Cabinet papers for ministers
  • write and present reports.

Skills and knowledge

Policy analysts need to have:

  • knowledge of political, economic, social and cultural aspects of New Zealand life
  • an understanding of how parliament operates and government policy is developed
  • knowledge of legislative processes and the Treaty of Waitangi
  • knowledge of research methods.
Pay

Policy analysts usually earn

$71K-$92K

per year

Policy analyst managers can earn

$112K-$170K

per year

Job opportunities
Average
Chances of getting a job as a policy analyst are average for graduates, but good for those with experience.
Length of training
3
years of training usually required.

Industry

Government

Policy analysts analyse information to assist in the development, interpretation and review of government or industrial policies.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

To become a policy analyst you usually need to have a Bachelor's degree. Employers will normally consider graduates from a variety of subject areas such as:

  • public policy
  • social science
  • history
  • arts
  • economics
  • finance
  • resource management
  • law.

Employers often prefer candidates to have completed a postgraduate qualification.

Chances of getting a job

Job opportunities for graduate policy analysts average

Chances of getting work as a policy analyst are average for graduates due to high competition for roles at entry-level.

Graduates may increase their chances of getting a job by gaining experience through internships or voluntary work.

According to the Census, 7,353 policy analysts worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Strong demand for experienced policy analysts

Chances are good for experienced policy analysts due to high turnover, which means vacancies arise regularly. Policy analysts often shift:

  • to another part of the public sector, to gain experience
  • into the private sector, where they can earn more money.

Most policy analysts employed by government

Most policy analysts work for government departments and organisations, but other employers include:

  • local authorities (city and district councils)
  • private companies
  • unions, community organisations and business or interest groups such as Federated Farmers.

Progression and specialisations

Policy analysts may start off in junior positions before progressing to more senior or management roles. They may also move between the private and public sectors.

Working conditions

Policy analysts:

  • usually work regular business hours
  • work in offices
  • may travel domestically to do research or attend meetings and conferences.

Useful personal qualities

Policy analysts need to be:

  • perceptive and inquisitive
  • adaptable
  • strong communicators
  • able to work well in a team
  • good planners and problem solvers
  • motivated, enquiring and patient
  • skilled in analysing and interpreting information
  • able to work well under pressure, as they need to meet deadlines.

Industry

Government

Policy analysts analyse information to assist in the development, interpretation and review of government or industrial policies.

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