Graduate Policy Advisor

Graduate Policy Advisors

• Permanent, full-time roles
• Wellington based

As a Graduate Policy Advisor, you’ll do work that has a direct impact on New Zealand’s economic and social wellbeing and sets you up with a strong foundation for a rewarding policy career.

The Opportunity | Ara Whiwhi Mahi

Be part of one of the best policy shops in Government! We are looking for people to join our high-performing policy team where you will be responsible for developing, managing and communicating tax and social policy. As part of this, you can look forward to getting involved in a broad range of things, from conducting research and developing policy options to preparing legislation and providing support throughout the legislative process.

It's a great chance to really showcase your critical and conceptual thinking skills, and to put your strong academic background into action. In this role you’ll be engaging with stakeholders and effectively communicating complex ideas. In return for what you bring to us you can expect to be part of an inclusive work environment with development opportunities.

If you will graduate this year or have graduated within the past three years, we want to hear from you. Roles will commence in early 2027 and are Wellington-based.

About us | Mō mātou

Our Policy team advises Government on a wide range of tax and social policy issues. We research and develop policy options, and present policy recommendations to senior officials and Ministers. Unlike many policy agencies, we also draft our own legislation arising from policy recommendations and support it through the legislative process, giving our advisors end-to-end policy experience.

To see what we’ve been working on, visit: 

https://taxpolicy.ird.govt.nz/work-programme

Apply here | Tono mai

Please apply online and include:

• your CV,

• a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the requirements

• a complete academic transcript (or an unofficial transcript if you have not yet graduated)

• a short sample of your written work demonstrating your writing ability (e.g. an excerpt of an essay written for a university course). This should be no longer than three pages.

Use of AI tools
We understand that applicants may use a range of tools to support their application. However, this is a writing‑intensive role, and your application materials should primarily reflect your own thinking and writing. We will explore your written work further as part of the selection process.

For specific queries, please email sara.hall@ird.govt.nz and I will be in touch with you.

Applications close Friday 20 November 2026 – 5:00pm

At Inland Revenue, we truly embrace diversity and inclusion and promote a flexible and supportive work environment that meets the needs of our people and business. We have trust and integrity, innovate to make a difference, value people and work together.