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

• Permanent, full-time
• Wellington-based

We are looking for an experienced, capable and committed Policy Analyst to join our Funding Policy team within our Schools Policy Group.

The Schools Policy group is responsible for developing policy that supports some of our biggest within-school levers to improve outcomes for children and young people. The group’s work spans quality teaching and leadership, the curriculum and qualifications schools deliver, school resourcing, and the networks and infrastructure that support access to education. Our aim is to ensure every learner has the opportunity to thrive.

The Funding Policy team drives the Ministry’s advice on all of our funding levers across the schooling system. This includes work on funding settings, particularly how we staff and fund schools, to ensure all learners are supported across State schools, charter schools, private schools, and Kaupapa Māori and Māori‑medium education.

More widely, the team also leads work on international students in the schooling system. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to a range of complex, high-impact policy challenges that shape how schools are resourced to improve outcomes for learners. We work with various teams across the Ministry, from data analytics through to operational delivery, on a wide range of funding dimensions.

Salary range: $74,815 - $90,347 per annum plus 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 committed and experienced Policy Analysts who will be able to bring energy, initiative and analytical ability. We would like to hear from you if you have policy experience, and:

• have experience with policy and government processes
• have sound oral and written communication skills
• are committed to developing evidence-based policy analysis and advice
• are able to develop and work on complex and sensitive policy projects or programmes of work
• thrive in a fast-paced policy environment
• are interested in establishing strong working relationships across the wider Ministry and key government agencies
• 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 >
• 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 a high profile, challenging and ambitious agenda for change, a strong focus on the development of our people, and the ability to drive and influence policy direction.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The Schools Policy group sits within Te Pou Kaupapahere (Policy Group). Te Pou Kaupapahere works alongside our colleagues in other parts of the Ministry 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 hold relationships with all education Ministers and provide integrated policy advice.

Our group provides policy support for all parts of the Ministry, including their connections with iwi, hapū, hapori and Māori peak bodies, in the development of policy that honours te Tiriti o Waitangi.

We also work closely with other central education agencies and other parts of the government to create system wide policy. 

We hold a regulatory stewardship function across regulatory systems of the Ministry, taking a whole-of-system, life-cycle view of each regulatory subsystem. ‘

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..

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 Simon Theeuwes, Senior Policy Manager at simon.theeuwes@education.govt.nz

Applications closes: Midnight, Thursday 11th June 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.