Advisors and Senior Advisors - Ministerial Services

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 four high-performing, experienced individuals to join our busy Ministerial team (two at the advisor level and two at the senior level). One advisor and both senior roles will be primarily based in our Correspondence team, and one advisor primarily in our Ministerial Support and Inquiries team. These roles will involve leading the delivery of high-quality advice and responses for our Ministers and key stakeholders, and supporting the Ministry’s Proactive Release programme. We are open to considering various candidate locations.

There is a need and expectation for the senior roles to support work across the wider team (e.g. responding to Official Information Act requests, Parliamentary Questions, Ombudsman investigations), so a range of experience in Ministerial Servicing is required to be successful in these roles.

We enjoy what we do and are proud of the quality of the work we deliver. Our work is varied, and no two days are the same. There are regular opportunities to work on new subject areas, to work across teams and to respond to emerging issues across the Education portfolio.

Advisor salary range: $74,815 - $90,347 per annum + 3% kiwi saver. 

Senior Advisor salary range: $100,296 - $121,490 per annum + 3% kiwi saver. 

The successful candidates will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

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

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

About you | Mōhou ake

We welcome applications for those with transferable skills, but experience in Ministerial Servicing, editing or writing roles, familiarity with the education system and/or knowledge of the Machinery of Government would be a huge advantage. At the senior advisor level, experience in Ministerial Servicing is essential.

You will have a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn. You will work collaboratively with others, develop relationships at all levels, critically assess information presented to you and effectively communicate your ideas verbally and through high-quality written advice.

You will also:

• Have very strong written and verbal communication skills, and be able to produce information that is accurate, clear and concise for any given audience
• Work effectively under pressure to manage competing demands and deliver
  high-quality work on time
• Be organised and process-orientated
• Have the ability to identify risk and develop mitigation strategies
• Have a strong eye for detail, a logical approach to problem-solving and an inquiring mind
• Have a relevant tertiary qualification, or equivalent experience
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain, an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and te reo Māori. You will also have knowledge and appreciation of te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sector, or a willingness to learn.

Successful applicants will be entering a team that is highly respected, has a positive and supportive culture, and where growth and development is supported. We offer a flexible working environment and an insight into all aspects of the Ministry and the education sector.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Ministerial Services is an advisory function that provides the confidence, connections and expertise to allow quality information and advice to flow where it is needed. We work at the interface between the Ministry, Ministers’ offices and Parliament, and our team includes the Portfolio Private Secretaries in our Ministers' offices.

Ministerial Services leads the development of strategically sound responses to correspondence and information requests, and our workstreams include:

• Proactive release
• Supporting responses to public inquiries (i.e. Royal Commissions)
• Ministerial correspondence
• Official Information Act requests
• Ombudsman investigations
• Parliamentary questions
• Select Committee questions (including Estimates and Annual Review).

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

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and CV by using the ‘apply' button below. We are keen to know your motivations, strengths, transferable skills and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role. Please indicate in your cover letter, which position you are applying for, Advisor or Senior Advisor.

For further information, please contact Mike Scott, Team Manager Ministerial Support and Inquiries, or Emma Pedersen, Team Manager Ministerial Correspondence, at mike.scott@education.govt.nz or emma.pedersen@education.govt.nz.

Applications close at Midnight - Sunday 15 February 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.