Policy Analysts - Schools Policy

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 experienced, capable and committed Policy Analysts to join our Schools Policy group to lead the development of policy in some high profile, new and challenging areas.

Governance, Legislation and Accountability

The Governance, Legislation and Accountability team leads and coordinates the legislative programme for the Ministry. It also leads policy work relating to governance and accountability arrangements, particularly within the schooling system. The team has a key role in working with other teams across Te Pou Kaupapahere (policy group) and elsewhere in the Ministry on policy and legislative proposals relating to early learning, schooling and tertiary.

The Government has an ambitious legislative programmme, which the team plays a key role to deliver, alongside our core work to support the delivery of other Ministerial priorities and maintain the health of the education system. This is an opportunity for a policy analyst to experience all stages of the  policy and legislative process in a supportive and dynamic environment. You will have the opportunity to support Ministerial and Cabinet decision-making, the passage of legislation through parliament, undertake first principles policy reviews and support the making of regulations.  

The team is committed to policy advice that is orientated towards more equitable outcomes in the schooling and broader education system.

Curriculum and Digital Team, Schools Policy

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 Curriculum and Digital team leads policy on a broad set of education system levers, including:

• • Curriculum, learning and assessment, including secondary school qualifications and pathways
  • Careers education and guidance
  • The vocational education and training pathways available to secondary learners
  • Digital capability, access, and innovation in schools, alongside distance and online education delivery

We work on complex, high-impact policy challenges that shape the learning experience of students across the country. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to range of significant projects, including work to strengthen our secondary qualification system (currently NCEA), enhancing vocational education and training for secondary learners, and understanding and advising on the role of AI in teaching and learning.

Salary range: $74,815 to $90,347 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 committed and experienced Policy Analysts who will be able to bring energy, iniative 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. ‘

Schools policy, is one of four groups within Te Pou Kaupapahere (Policy Group), and it considers most issues 

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, you are welcome to contact Anne Fontaine, Principal Advisor at anne.fontaine@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Monday, 30 March 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.