Job Description
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
Join the Customs Policy and Strategy Group!
This is a permanent full-time position, based in our Wellington Customhouse.
Are you an experienced Policy Analyst looking for your next role and exciting new challenge? Do you want to broaden your public sector experience, and join our high-performing and friendly Policy and Strategy Group? This could be the opportunity for you!
The work Customs' Policy Group undertakes is vital to enabling international trade, revenue collection, facilitating travel to and from New Zealand, and the protection and security of New Zealand's border. This is an intellectually stimulating environment where you will provide policy advice and support to help Customs meet its regulatory stewardship obligations.
This role will suit someone who can demonstrate good communication, analysis and strategic thinking skills. You will have an understanding of the machinery of government, be able to work under pressure and be a good team player.
In this role, you will be expected to develop and provide quality advice to the Minister of Customs, as well as work collaboratively with stakeholders to address complex issues. You will contribute to shaping a modern customs environment and ensure our regulatory systems are fit for purpose, both now and in the future.
You will be required to provide advice and trouble-shoot on matters that affect businesses, other government agencies, and private individuals. Working as part of a supportive, engaged, and high-performing Group that is committed to encouraging career development, you will work to achieve excellent results and enjoy using your initiative, judgement, and wider public sector experience.
There are several Policy teams within the Policy Group. While the successful applicant will initially be appointed into the Trade Policy team, the Group operates a rotation model to provide development opportunities for staff and to ensure that business needs are met. This will mean that a Policy Analyst could be asked to move between teams over time.
As you will initially be appointed into the Trade Policy team a knowledge of, or interest in, international trade is desirable but not essential. You will also need to be able and willing to undertake domestic and international travel as required.
What we offer | He aha mātou e tuku|
At Customs, we aim to create a great place to work, where our people have a sense of belonging and the capability and desire to meet our future challenges. We are an organisation that is clear about our mission, and this is underpinned by Te Pou Tokomanawa (the Foundations) and our Whanonga Pono (Values). Our work really matters to the safety and success of New Zealand.
We care about well-being, personal growth, and job satisfaction, which is supported through:
- offering on-the-job training, formal courses and leadership programmes, and the chance to move across diverse roles.
- fostering inclusive and supportive team environment with vibrant social and cultural groups.
- supporting flexible working - talk to us about how we can help you achieve your flexible working goals, within our operational requirements.
- providing discounted health insurance, and free on-site gyms (in some locations).
- Three days of service holidays, in addition to four weeks of annual leave.
Requirements to apply | Ngā paearu hei tono
To join Customs in any role you must be a New Zealand citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident. This means:
- a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last 5 years and resides in NZ at time of application; OR
- a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided in New Zealand for the last 5 years and resides in NZ at the time of application. You may have been absent from New Zealand for periods of six or more months within the past five years, preferably in one or more of the following countries: either Australia, Canada, UK or the USA. You will be required to provide overseas police certificates for these periods spent outside of New Zealand.
You must have a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service towards a recommendation of suitability for security clearance at a higher level. Due to the nature of Customs work, you must have a clear Police record. The successful applicant will also be required to pass a drug test. These requirements apply to all successful applicants for roles at Customs and Customs employees.
How to apply | Me pehea te whakauru
To express your interest online, please apply now by submitting a CV and cover letter that demonstrates your ability to meet the competencies required for the role as outlined in the position description. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Jamie Thompson (Manager Trade) at Jamie.thompson@customs.govt.nz
Applications close 11pm, Tuesday 17 June 2025.
Please note Customs will be managing this recruitment independently in-house and will not be engaging with recruitment agencies at this stage.
Please apply online only via our website as we do not accept applications sent directly to our email.
New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa is a member of Diversity Works New Zealand and is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role. We also offer flexible working arrangements.