Senior Advisor, Ministerial Services

• 12-month fixed term or secondment tenure, based in Wellington
• Play a key role in ensuring that Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga I the Ministry of Education is a transparent, accessible and accountable organisation that provides a high-quality service to the Government and the wider public

 Help shape the future of Education

He mea tārai e mātou te mātauranga kia rangatira ai, kia mana taurite ai ōna huanga

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

We are looking for a high-performing Senior Advisor with a suitable level of direct experience to join our Official and Parliamentary Information team. The role will include leading responses to official information requests to te Tāhuhu and our Ministers, advising on and quality assuring other team members’ work, coaching and mentoring junior staff, and contributing to the leadership of our proactive release programme. There will also be opportunities to work across other GEMS (Government, Executive & Ministerial Services) workstreams, including correspondence, written parliamentary questions and Ombudsman investigations.

You will work closely with business groups to deliver high-quality, accessible and helpful responses that reflect the values of te Tāhuhu and Ministers’ preferences and priorities, align with the Education Work Programme and adhere to Standing Orders and the Cabinet Manual.

We enjoy what we do and we’re proud of the quality of the work we deliver. Our work is varied, and no two days are the same. There are regular opportunities to work on new subject areas, to work across teams within GEMS, and to respond to emerging issues across the Education portfolio.

For more information on the work we do in GEMS you can view the   job description here

Salary range: $100,296 - $121,490 per annum plus KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

About you | Mōhou ake

You will:

• have significant experience working with the Official Information Act and managing relationships with subject matter experts, Executive Leaders and Ministers’ Offices
• have strong written and oral communication skills, and be able to produce information that is accurate, clear and concise for any given audience
• be organised and process-oriented, have excellent time management skills and be adept at managing competing demands and delivering high-quality work on time
• work effectively under pressure and build strong relationships, both within the team and across the organisation
• be confident providing constructive feedback and coaching, assessing risk and ensuring quality
• be flexible and able to work collaboratively with others to produce work of the highest standard

An analytical mindset, a keen eye for detail and a passion for Ministerial Servicing are essential in the work we do, as is an ability to identify and mitigate risk.

As an organisation, we are committed to building equity and excellence in the education sector and having a team that brings diverse perspectives is very important to us to ensure we deliver on this commitment.

The guiding principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi are at the centre of our work, and your knowledge and commitment to this is important to us.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy working with a diverse and highly topical range of subject matter, and have a logical approach to problem-solving with an inquiring mind, we would love to hear from you. In return, you will be provided with a dynamic workplace and a supportive environment that offers opportunities to further develop your skills and experience.

Successful applicants will be entering a team that is highly respected, has a positive and supportive culture, and where growth and development is supported. We offer a flexible working environment and an insight into all aspects of te Tāhuhu and the education sector.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

GEMS is an advisory function that provides the confidence, connections and expertise to allow quality information and advice to flow where it is needed. We work at the interface between te Tāhuhu, Ministers’ offices and Parliament, and our team includes the Portfolio Private Secretaries in our Ministers' offices.

GEMS leads the development of strategically-sound responses to correspondence and information requests, and our workstreams include:

• Official Information Act requests
• Ministerial correspondence
• Proactive release
• Ombudsman investigations
• Parliamentary questions
• Select Committee questions (including Estimates and Annual Review)

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your Cover Letter and CV by using the ‘Apply' button below. We are keen to know your motivations, strengths, transferable skills and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

For further information, please contact Emma Drysdale, Manager Official and Parliamentary Information at emma.drysdale@education.govt.nz

Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 28 June 2026

Applications will be assessed as they come in, and shortlisting will commence before the closing date.

NB: If you are applying for this vacancy in a Secondment capacity, please ensure you have the approval of your current Manager prior to submitting an application.

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.