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 or secondment, full-time
• Wellington-based
• Learn in this established and supportive group

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 a role at the forefront of major system reform, then this role is for you.

We are looking for experienced, capable and committed Policy Analysts to join our System, Connections and Early Learning Policy Group within Te Pou Kaupapahere, the Ministry’s policy shop.  We are seeking Policy Analysts for both the System Policy team and the Early Childhood Education (ECE) System Investment Policy team.

System Policy team

The System Policy team helps look beyond immediate issues to focus on the future of New Zealand’s education system. We work across the Ministry and with partners to understand emerging challenges, develop strategic advice, and ensure the policies, settings, and institutions that underpin education are fit for the future. Our work supports Ministers and leaders to make informed decisions that strengthen outcomes for learners, whānau, and communities.

ECE System Investment Policy team

The team focuses on the funding system for early childhood services, to make 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 that employs tens of thousands of people throughout New Zealand.

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

This is a unique opportunity to support the modernisation of the early learning funding and regulatory systems, working with colleagues from across the Ministry and other Government agencies, and with the ECE sector.

Salary range: $75,815 - $91,347 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 hit the ground running and bring passion, energy and analytical ability. We would like to hear from you if you have proven policy experience, and

• have excellent knowledge of policy and government processes
• have excellent oral and written communication skills
• have excellent interpersonal skills and a positive approach to team work
• have experience developing evidence-based policy analysis and advice
• are a critical thinker and you are keen to bring innovative approaches to policy issues
• 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.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

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

The System Policy Team and the ECE System Investment Policy Team are two of the policy teams that sit within the Systems, Connections and Early Learning Policy Group. The Group also includes the ECE System and Regulatory Policy Team (which looks at early childhood regulatory policy issues), the Crown Entity Monitoring and Appointments Team (responsible for monitoring the education crown entities) and the International Cooperation and Engagement Team (which manages New Zealand’s educational engagement with other countries and bodies such as the OECD and UNESCO).

The Group leads interesting and challenging work programmes aimed at strengthening education at a systems level to ensure that it is inclusive, responsive, delivers equitable outcomes for all learner groups and delivers on Government’s priorities.  The Group’s system policy role offers long term strategic insights and analysis supporting the future of education in New Zealand including ECE, schooling and tertiary sectors. The Group’s role in early childhood education policy offers exciting challenges for policy professionals, including advising on the design of a new funding system for early learning, working with our colleagues from MSD, the Treasury and IRD to address concerns such as equity and affordability and how to best target funding to need. Our work sits across social and economic policy, and we work closely with other government agencies including MSD, Oranga Tamariki, IRD, Treasury, ERO, TEC, NZQA, ENZ, and others.

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 Rachel Voller (Senior Manager Policy for ECE System Investment)  Rachel.Voller@education.govt.nz or Rebecca Barnes-Clarke (Senior Manager Policy for System Policy) Rebecca.Barnes-Clarke@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Friday, 30 October 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.