Senior Policy Analyst, Governance, Legislation and Accountability - Wellington

Help shape the future of Education 

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes 

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga 

We are looking for experienced, capable and committed Senior Policy Analysts to join our Schools Policy group to lead the development of policy in some high profile, new and challenging areas. 

The Governance, Legislation and Accountability team leads and coordinates all Bills that go through Parliament and leads policy work about governance and accountability arrangements within the schooling system. The team has a key role in working with other teams across Te Pou Kaupapahere (policy group) and elsewhere in the Ministry on policy and legislative proposals relating to early learning, schooling and tertiary. 

The group is committed to policy advice that is orientated towards more equitable outcomes in the schooling and broader education system.  

Salary range: $99,496 to $143,760 per annum + 3% KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience. 

For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here .

About you | Mōhou ake 

You will have proven policy experience at a senior analyst level, and 

• thrive in a fast-paced policy environment 

• have strong regulatory and legislative experience

• have proven ability to collaborate with others to find solutions 

• are a critical thinker and can bring innovative approaches to complex policy issues 

• have sound approaches to developing evidence-based analysis and advice 

• have experience providing high quality advice to senior leadership teams and Ministers.

• have demonstrated knowledge of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori

• have knowledge of te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sector

• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct. 

In return we can offer you the opportunity to contribute to a high profile, challenging and ambitious agenda for change, a strong focus on the development of our people, and the ability to drive and influence policy direction. 

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake 

The Schools Policy group sits within Te Pou Kaupapahere (Policy Group). Schools Policy is comprised of five supportive and effective teams who work collaboratively to deliver high-quality policy advice for Ministers and decision-makers. Te Pou Kaupapahere works alongside our colleagues in other parts of the Ministry to provide Ministers with policy options to resource and shape the education system. This means delivering whole-of-system, end-to-end policy that covers early learning, schooling, and tertiary including Māori medium, te reo Māori, Pacific and learning support.  

We hold relationships with all education Ministers and provide integrated policy advice. 

Our group provides policy support for all parts of the Ministry, including their connections with iwi, hapū, hapori and Māori peak bodies, in the development of policy that honours te Tiriti o Waitangi. 

We also work closely with other central education agencies and other parts of the government to create system wide policy.  

We hold the regulatory stewardship function across regulatory systems of Te Tāhuhu, taking a whole-of-system, life-cycle view of each regulatory subsystem.  

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi? 

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role. 

You are welcome to reach out to Anne Fontaine, Principal Advisor for more information at anne.fontaine@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Tuesday, 15 July 2025

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.