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
Permanent, full-time
Wellington-based
Learn in this established and supportive group
If you are interested in shaping policy priorities for New Zealand’s education system, have a passion for ‘big picture’ analysis and advice and are looking for complex, interesting and varied work that develops your career, then this role is for you.
We are looking for an experienced, capable and committed Senior Policy Analyst to join the Tertiary Policy Group within Te Pou Kaupapahere, the Ministry’s policy shop. The role sits within the Tertiary Equity, Access and Participation Policy team.
The Tertiary Equity, Access and Participation Policy team is responsible for the Ministry’s advice on supporting people and communities to equitably participate in tertiary education. This includes policy responsibility for student financial support, foundation education and Māori tertiary education. The team provides policy advice on outcomes for key learner groups, including Māori, Pacific and disabled learners. Current and recent priorities include reviewing Youth Guarantee and looking at student financial support settings as part of a tertiary education funding review.
Salary range: $101,296 - $145,560 per annum plus 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
We are looking for committed and experienced Senior Policy Analysts who will be able to hit the ground running and bring passion, energy and analytical ability. We would like to hear from you if you have proven policy experience, and
have excellent knowledge of policy and government processes
have proven ability to develop and lead evidence-based complex and sensitive policy projects or programmes of work
have excellent oral and written communication skills
be able to work autonomously, demonstrate self-motivation and remain calm, focussed and resilient under pressure
have established strong working relationships across key government agencies to ensure effective management of cross-government programmes
have excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated a teamwork approach
have strength or enjoyment in developing and mentoring junior staff
demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori
have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sector and>
The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
In return we can offer you the opportunity to work on high profile, challenging and ambitious policy issues, 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 Tertiary and Evidence group leads interesting and challenging work programmes aimed at strengthening tertiary education at a systems level to ensure that it is inclusive, responsive, and delivers equitable outcomes for all learner groups. The Ministry’s role in tertiary education policy offers exciting challenges for policy professionals, including advising on key opportunity areas across the tertiary education system so that it continues to deliver for learners, communities and the economy and on how to give effect to Ministerial priorities. Our work sits across social and economic policy, and we work closely with other government agencies including TEC, NZQA, MSD, IR, MBIE, ENZ, and others.
Te Pou Kaupapahere is responsible for whole-of-system, end-to-end policy integration covering early learning, compulsory schooling, and tertiary including Māori medium, te reo Māori, Pacific and Learning Support. We are a group with a strong policy culture that works on issues affecting a huge system that directly impacts the lives of all New Zealanders. We hold the relationship with all Ministers and provide integrated policy advice to them. We collaborate across government organisations so our advice to Ministers is joined up.
We’re proud of the culture in our policy teams. We appreciate and support each other and develop strong relationships that underpin our ability to deliver good work.
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.
For further information, please contact Mary Dooley, Senior Policy Manager at Mary.Dooley@education.govt.nz
Applications close Midnight – Wednesday, 11 November 2026
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.
