Advisor, Employment Relations & Ministerial Services
Wellington, NZ
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
This Fixed Term and/or Secondment Wellington-based opportunity through to 29 January 2027, offers a unique combination of employment relations and ministerial services work within the Ministry of Education.
Operating across two important functions, you will contribute to employment relations activities supporting collective bargaining and workforce initiatives, while also helping to deliver high-quality ministerial servicing and official information responses that support transparent and effective government.
As an Adviser, Employment Relations and Ministerial Services, you will:
• Support collective bargaining preparation, negotiations, implementation and related employment relations work programmes
• Contribute to bargaining strategies, analysis, stakeholder engagement and settlement implementation
• Provide research, analysis and advice on employment relations and workforce matters
• Prepare and coordinate responses to Ministerial correspondence, Official Information Act requests, Parliamentary Questions, Select Committee requests and Chief Executive correspondence
• Support the Ministry’s proactive release programme and provide official information advice
• Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships
• Manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced environment
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives
Salary range: $74,815 - $82,581 per annum plus KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.
For more details about this combined role, you can view both Job Descriptions here:
About you | Mōhou ake
You will be a strong relationship-builder who can navigate complexity, work collaboratively across teams and communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
You will bring:
• Experience working in a complex organisation
• Experience building productive relationships and partnerships
• Strong written communication skills and experience preparing advice, correspondence or reports
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent attention to detail and sound judgement
• The ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines
• An understanding of, or interest in, employment relations, workforce policy or collective bargaining
• An understanding of, or ability to quickly learn, machinery-of-government processes and relevant legislation including the Official Information Act, Privacy Act and Employment Relations Act
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills
• Commitment to ongoing professional development
And the ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake
This role works across the Education Workforce and Corporate functions, supporting both employment relations outcomes and ministerial servicing responsibilities. You will join collaborative and high-performing teams that work closely with senior leaders, Ministers’ offices, central agencies and key education sector stakeholders.
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 Tim Tucker, General Manager Employment Relations, Pay Equity and Payroll at Tim.Tucker@education.govt.nz
Applications close at Midnight on Monday, 13 July 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.
