Policy Analyst

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

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 a policy analyst to join the ECE System and Regulatory Policy Team, which focuses on high-profile strategic work that helps shape the future of early childhood education. Our work makes a real difference to the lives of the youngest New Zealanders and their parents and whānau, helping support:

• children in their early years to enjoy a good life, learn and thrive in a safe environment
• parental choice and participation in the labour market and wider economy
• a complex market and diverse sector of private and community-based providers and a workforce of tens of thousands of early years professionals throughout New Zealand.

We also work in a Treaty-based way with Ngā Puna Reo o Aotearoa and Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust to support and grow kaupapa Māori early learning.  

This is a unique opportunity to:

• be involved in high-profile and strategic policy work including responding to the regulatory review of ECE, working closely with the sector and other government agencies
• identify issues, trends and evidence to help understand and optimise the performance and impact of the early learning system
• develop advice on system policy settings and and inform how the Government regulates and funds ECE.

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

We are looking for candidates who have a good knowledge, understanding and professional work experience of developing evidence-based policy analysis and advice.  

You willl:

• bring energy, commitment and a can-do attitude
• have good analytical and critical thinking skills
• be a strong team player with good communication and relationship management skills
• be organised and able to plan and manage work in a fast-paced policy environment
• 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 have
• have the ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

In return we can offer you a friendly and inclusive environment where your work will be valued and help make a real difference. You will get to grow your professional networks and be actively supported to develop your skills, experience and your policy career. Alongside this will be access to a range of workplace benefits and wellbeing initiatives.  

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The ECE System and Regulatory Policy Team works closely with the ECE System Investment Policy Team, sitting within the Systems, Connections and Early Learning Policy Group in Te Pou Kaupapahere| Policy.  

Te Pou Kaupapahere works alongside our colleagues in other parts of the Ministry, and works with other education agencies, to provide Ministers with policy options to resource and shape the education system. This means delivering whole-of-system, end-to-end policy that covers early learning, schooling, and tertiary including Māori medium, te reo Māori, Pacific and learning support. 

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.

We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds, orientations, and identities. We aim to have a policy group that is representative of the wider Aotearoa New Zealand that we serve

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 Paul Scholey, Senior Policy Manager, at paul.scholey@education.govt.nz.

Applications close Midnight – Monday 14 July 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.