Ministerial Advisor

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’re looking for a Ministerial Advisor for an exciting opportunity with the Te Pou Kaupapahere | Policy team. The position sits at the center of our group managing the flow of information into and out of the group. With close working relationships with four Ministerial offices and every business unit across the Ministry, you will have unique insight into education policy. You will also be closely involved in the day-to-day business of delivering whole-of-system, end-to-end policy that covers early learning, schooling, and tertiary education, including Māori medium, te reo Māori, Pacific, and learning support.

This role is one of two. Between the two Ministerial Advisors you will provide fast paced, detail oriented support across the whole group, often jumping between technical advice about Te Pou Kaupapahere systems, collating information for weekly reports to Ministers, and teams messages keeping everything aligned and communicated.

This is a real mix of reactive work, and proactive thinking.  With a view across all our Ministerial products you will be an integral part of the team often working alongside tier two and three leaders to source information, follow appropriate process, and maintain the highest levels of service.

Our work is equal parts fast paced, challenging and rewarding. We are a tight knit team known for excellent service, great conversation and support.

Salary range: $74,015 - $89,547 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

The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven experience in coordinating information effectively
• A mature and responsible approach to information management and security
• Strong relationship management skills
• Effective and adaptable communication abilities
• Sound knowledge of the machinery of government and the Official Information Act
• Proficiency in Outlook, Microsoft Word, Power BI, Excel, or similar software applications
• 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 an excellent team culture, a strong focus on the development of our people, and the ability to contribute to real change across education. 

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Collectively, Te Pou Kaupapahere are 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 and international education policy.

We hold the relationship with all education Ministers and provide integrated policy advice to them. We collaborate across government organisations so our advice to Ministers is joined up.

We work to develop strong internal relationships as well as working closely with other central education agencies and other parts of the government. We use high quality research and evidence of what works and are informed by knowledge held by our frontline colleagues.

Our group works closely with other groups across the Ministry of Education, and together we hold relationships with iwi, hapū, hapori and Māori peak bodies, that support the development of policy that honours te Tiriti o Waitangi.

We hold the regulatory stewardship function, taking a whole-of-system, life-cycle view across for the entire education system, as well as for 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.

For further information, please contact Alexandra Grace, Executive Support Manager at Alexandra.Grace@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Tuesday 12 August 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.