Senior Policy Analyst, Pacific Education

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
• Te Pou Kaupapahere | Policy Group

We are looking for a senior policy analyst to join our Pacific Education Policy team.

This team is high performing and has delivered on significant government priorities over the last few years:

The Pacific education Policy team focuses on ensuring that diverse Pacific learners and their families feel safe, valued, and equipped to achieve their education aspirations. This includes a focus on growing Pacific immersion and bilingual language pathways and strengthening the capability of all teachers to work effectively with Pacific learners and their families to ensure education success now and for future generations.>

Salary range: $99,496 - $143,760 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 someone with several years of policy experience, committed to developing evidence-based analysis and advice that is centred within families and communities and informed by the needs and aspirations of Aotearoa’s diverse Pacific learners.

You will also have:

• an interest in cross-Government work a solutions-focussed outlook
• an applied understanding of Te Tiriti and its role in policy development
• knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori
• 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.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake 

Te Pou Kaupapahere is the Ministry’s policy group with a whole-of-system focus covering early learning, compulsory schooling, and tertiary. This includes Māori medium, te reo Māori, Pacific and Learning Support.

We provide advice to enable an education system which contributes to the skills and knowledge needed by people for social, cultural, economic and environmental wellbeing. We develop policy about vocational skills, access pathways, international education, and student financial support. We also manage the Ministry’s international engagements and cooperation agreements.

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 Mary Soonaoso Tiumalu, Senior Policy Manager at Mary.Tiumalu@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Friday 08 August 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.