Senior Advisor, Sensitive Claims

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

We have two permanent, full-time positions available, based anywhere in Aotearoa, New Zealand. These roles are able to work from an appropriate regional office, remotely from home or at National Office in Wellington. This can be negotiated once successful candidates are selected.

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

As a Senior Advisor – Sensitive Claims, you will support the claims process and prepare high-quality claim responses and settlement offers.

In this role, you will:

• Ensure appropriate management of sensitive claims through the latter part of the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process to support early resolution.
• Prepare responses that bring various parts of the claims process together in a timely and high-quality manner.
• Consider specific assessment criteria and guidelines to inform decision making on redress claims and apply these to various claim situations.
• Monitor claims closely and escalate risks and issues early to the leadership team
• Maintain accurate records, documentation, and audit trails.

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

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful, impactful work that supports individuals seeking acknowledgement and resolution of historic abuse experiences.

To be successful for this role, you will bring:

• Excellent technical and analytical writing skills.
• Strong analytical ability, including interpreting complex or legal information.
• Experience working in a complex organisation with strong relationship-building skills.
• Well-developed communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
• High level of organisation, judgement, resilience, and ability to handle sensitive information.
• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience in the public sector, with exposure to legal or compliance environments desirable.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The Sensitive Claims team leads and delivers the Ministry’s redress process for addressing claims of historic abuse or neglect in state schools. A sensitive claim is defined as a claim where an individual alleges that they were abused or neglected at a state or residential special school and is seeking some form of redress. We ensure claims are managed in a respectful, mana-enhancing way, and that claimants and their whānau are at the centre of everything we do.

We also work closely with the Crown Response Office and other state redress agencies on delivering the Government’s Redress response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State Care.

Our group sits within Te Pou Taunaki | Learning Support group who are accountable for providing functional leadership to all learning support services spanning national functions and regional delivery, delivered either in-house, by education providers or by other providers

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 Libby Bevin, Acting Manager Claims at libby.bevin@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Sunday, 24 May 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.