Senior Advisor, Privacy Act

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

The Sensitive Claims team manage an alternative dispute resolution process to support the resolution of abuse and neglect claims lodged against the Ministry.

The Senior Advisor - Privacy Act supports this work by providing advice on issues relating to the Privacy Act 2020 (the Act).

This role will proactively identify and support best practice management of personal information in accordance with the Act and be responsible for preparing responses to requests for information made by claimants under the Act.

This involves completing records searches to find personal information and preparing responses that will go directly to claimants or their legal representatives.

This is a unique opportunity to utilise your skills and experience in a meaningful and purposeful way, to help make a difference to some of Aotearoa’s most vulnerable ctitizens.

Salary range: $85,225- $103,071 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

You will have a relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience, knowledge about Machinery of Government and be enthusiastic about supporting colleagues to ensure sensitive information is held securely and in accordance with best privacy practice. 

You will also offer the following:

• Strong working knowledge of the Privacy Act 2020 and the Official Information Act 1982, including experience preparing responses for information under the Privacy Act.
• Close and detailed knowledge of privacy legislation and relevant case precedents.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Sound advisory skills – you can provide advice that is clear, assists in decision-making and is consistent with previous recommendations.
• Knowledge of, or the ability to quickly learn, the records and archival rules and practices of the education sector.
• Understanding of the principles of te Tiriti o Waitangi and their implications on public sector record keeping and privacy.
• Experience working in the public sector would be beneficial.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with a wide range of people.
• Strong analysis skills, including the ability to analyse and extract relevant information from a large amount of documentation with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with the utmost discretion.
• High level of computer literacy and Microsoft Office capability.
• Effective time management and organisational skills with the ability to work at pace without compromising quality.
• Ability to be adaptable, flexible and pragmatic in your approach.
• Strong service delivery ethic and the ability to consider issues relating to sensitive claims with empathy and aroha.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Mahau | Te Pae Aronui (Operations & Integration) use information, insights and service design functions to help the three Te Mahau frontline groups design and deliver services for our sector.

Te Pae Aronui was established as part of a wider change to provide the education sector with support and services that are more locally responsive, more accessible, and more integrated.

Te Pae Aronui provides the service design, data insights, regulation, learning and other support our three frontline Te Mahau regional teams rely on to support educators, ākonga, whanau and communities.

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 Manager, Sensitive Claims, Jenna-Faith Allan at jennafaith.allan@education.govt.nz.

Applications close Midnight – Sunday 30 November 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.