Senior Ministerial Advisor

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 are looking for a high-performing, experienced Senior Advisor to join our Ministerial Services team for a 12-month fixed term opportunity. The role will involve leading the delivery of high-quality advice, correspondence and Official Information Act responses for the Ministry, our Ministers and key stakeholders, advising on and quality assuring other team members’ work, coaching and mentoring junior staff, and leading key topics and workstreams.

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 are 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, and to respond to emerging issues across the Education portfolio.

Salary range: $99,496 – $120,690 per annum + 3% kiwi saver.  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

Experience in Ministerial Servicing and knowledge of the Machinery of Government is essential. Familiarity with the New Zealand education system would also be an advantage.

You will have a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn. You will work collaboratively with others, develop relationships at all levels, critically assess information presented to you and effectively communicate your ideas verbally and through high-quality written advice.

You will also:

• Have a sound knowledge of the Official Information Act 1982 and of New Zealand Parliament and government structures and processes, and a working knowledge of the Privacy Act 2020
• Have very strong written and verbal communication skills, and be able to produce information that is accurate, clear and concise for any given audience
• Work effectively under pressure to manage competing demands and deliver
• high-quality work on time
• Have experience coaching and mentoring junior staff members and colleagues
• Be organised and process-orientated
• Have the ability to identify and mitigate risk in your own and others’ work, and know when it’s appropriate to escalate 
• Think critically about information that is presented to you
• Have a strong eye for detail, a logical approach to problem-solving and an inquiring mind
• Have a relevant tertiary qualification, or equivalent experience.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

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 the Ministry and the education sector.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Ministerial Services 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.

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

• Ministerial correspondence
• Official Information Act requests
• 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 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 Emma Pedersen, Team Manager Ministerial Correspondence, at emma.pedersen@education.govt.nz.

Applications close midnight – Sunday 7 September 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.