Senior Policy Analyst

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 ākonga in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

Senior Policy Analyst in our Tertiary Investment System Policy team.

Initially seconded as Private Secretary, to the Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills office for a period of up to 18 months and then returning to our Tertiary Investment System Policy team.

• Permanent, full-time and Wellington-based
• A key role at the centre of investment decision making in the education system
• Private Secretary Secondment opportunity

We’re looking for a smart, capable and committed senior policy analyst who brings passion, energy, and analytical ability. If you are driven to influence policy in an education setting, enjoy working with others to find solutions to big-picture problems, and are keen to work with a great group of people, we’d love to hear from you. 

The Investment System policy team drives the Ministry’s advice on funding levers across the tertiary system, including tertiary education research; funding and fee-regulation. The team also supports the University Advisory Group, which is leading a wide ranging process to identify issues and opportunities in the University sector.

In the first instance, we expect that the successful candidate for this role will be seconded to the Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills office as a private secretary for the next 12-18 months. The Private Secretary is responsible for the delivery of effective and efficient service to the Minister, the Senior Private Secretary, other Ministerial office staff and wider Parliamentary staff as required, as well as the Ministry and other agencies for which the Minister has portfolio responsibility and their officials. The role is a challenging one; however it also offers a unique opportunity to work at the most senior level of government alongside Ministers, their staff and senior officials.

Salary range: $99,496 - $143,760 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. 

We also offer:

• Flexible working arrangements where everyone feels valued & supported.
• The ability to purchase extra days leave.
• A range of employee network groups.
• An inclusive environment that encourages your personal cultural competency journey.
• Development and learning, including mentorship programmes and internal secondments.
• Wellness initiatives to support your overall health and wellbeing.

About you | Mōhou ake

To be successful in this role you will have several years of policy experience, with excellent knowledge of policy and government processes. You will have strong relationship management and analytical skills, and be committed to developing evidence-based analysis and advice.  You will have an inquiring mind, scan the horizon for challenges and opportunities; and make connections to our work.

For the private secretary secondment we are looking for a person who can demonstrate:

•  Excellent relationship management skills and ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders and influence without authority
• Ability to manage workflow with flexibility, respond to changing and evolving priorities and ensure deadlines are met, often with short notice
• Ability to react quickly to assess situations, synthesise information and demonstrate sound judgement in a fast paced environment
• Sound knowledge and experience of Machinery of Government and the principle of Political Neutrality.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated team work approach
• Strong commitment to "make a difference" through the provision of effective and appropriate support and advice
• Ability to work autonomously, demonstrate self-motivation and remain calm, focussed and resilient under pressure.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The Tertiary Investment System Policy team is one of four tertiary education policy teams in the Tertiary and Evidence group that sits within Te Pou Kaupapahere group.

The Tertiary and Evidence group leads interesting and challenging work programmes aimed at strengthening tertiary education at a systems level to ensure that it is inclusive, responsive, and delivers equitable outcomes for all learner groups. The Ministry’s role in tertiary education policy offers exciting challenges for policy professionals, including advising on the redesign of the vocational education and training system (including the disestablishment of Te Pūkenga). Our work sits across social and economic policy, and we work closely with other government agencies including TEC, NZQA, MBIE, and others.

Te Pou Kaupapahere group is responsible for whole-of-system, end-to-end policy integration covering early learning, compulsory schooling, and tertiary including Māori medium, te reo Māori, Pacific and Learning Support. We hold the relationship with all Ministers and provide integrated policy advice to them.

We’re proud of the culture in our policy teams. We appreciate and support each other and develop strong relationships that underpin our ability to deliver good work.

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 Clara Rowe, Senior Policy Manager for more information at clara.rowe@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight –  Thursday 3 October 2024.

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.