Policy Analyst, Budget Strategy and Coordination

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 policy analyst role, based in Wellington

The Budget Strategy and Coordination Team sits at the centre of investment decision making in the education system. The team runs the annual Budget process for the Ministry of Education, from developing the Ministry’s Budget Strategy to delivering the education package on Budget Day. We are looking for a policy analyst to join the team.

This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to get exposure to one of the core processes of Government, which is high profile internally, for Ministers and within the education sector.

Salary range: $74,015 to $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

For this role we are looking for candidates who have a good knowledge of policy processes, with at least one year of experience in a relevant policy role. Ideally the candidate would be have good numeracy skills and be comfortable with excel, and have good communication skills. 

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 of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sector.

To be successful in this role, you will need to have strong relationship management skills. Our team works with a range of internal teams with diverse work programmes. We also work with colleagues across education agencies and the Treasury.

You will also offer:

• Qualifications from a relevant discipline, such as public policy, economics, or finance or the equivalent professional experience
• The ability to think clearly through problems, with either transferable skills that bring you into policy or some experience in policy development
• The ability to manage and deliver on multiple priorities
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake 

The team, located within the Learner Success and te Tiriti Group, plays a critical role in investment decision-making in the Education system. The Group is part of Te Pou Kaupapahere, the Ministry’s wider policy shop. Over time, you may also have the opportunity to work more broadly across the Māori, Pacific, Learning Support and Investing in Educational Wellbeing Policy Teams.

In this team, you will get the opportunity to:

• Guide and advise on education priorities for the annual Budget process. This involves building an understanding of Government’s education priorities, the Ministry’s priorities and needs, environmental scanning and understanding cost pressures and their drivers
• Ensure fit of education priorities within the overall Government strategic and policy direction for Budget.
• Advise on the inevitable trade-offs needed between initiatives in what is a contested and scaled process.
• Help to shape a coherent package of initiatives to this end, as no one initiative sits in isolation.
• Build a sound understanding of the Vote, current expenditure/drivers and public finance processes.
• Develop your presentation and coaching skills, working with other teams to provide training and support through the Budget process.

The Budget is not something delivered in isolation. In this team, you will work closely with Ministers’ offices, other Government agencies (most notably the Treasury) and gain invaluable insight into Ministerial decision making. You will also get exposure to a variety of work programmes from many different teams, giving you a cross-Ministry view of priority work items and how these come together to deliver outcomes for learners, whānau and communities.

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 Anne Fontaine (Principal Advisor) at anne.fontaine@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Sunday, 20 July

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.