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 students in our education system.

About this role |Mō tēnei tūranga

Policy Analysts & Senior Policy Analysts

• Permanent, full-time, Wellington-based
• Experience working on fast-paced, significant work
• Ability to work under pressure across agencies and Crown partners
• Learn in this established and supportive group

If you are interested in shaping policy priorities for New Zealand’s education system, have a passion for ‘big picture’ analysis and advice and are looking for complex, interesting and varied work that develops your career, then these roles are for you.

We are looking for experienced policy professionals to join the Tertiary Policy group within Te Pou Kaupapahere, the Ministry’s policy shop. We have vacancies in the Tertiary Investment System Policy and Tertiary International Policy teams, and you will also have the opportunity to work more broadly across the Ministry’s policy group (Te Pou Kaupapahere). Please include in your cover letter which role you are applying for.
 

Tertiary Investment System Policy: The team drives the Ministry’s advice on funding levers across the tertiary system, including tertiary education research, funding and fee regulation. Current and recent priorities include policy work to transition from first-year Fees Free to final-year Fees Free, funding changes to support the Vocational Education and Training reforms, and, providing advice on Budget strategy for the Tertiary Education portfolios. The team also supports the University Advisory Group, which is leading a wide-ranging process to identify issues and opportunities in the University sector.

Tertiary International Policy: The team’s work programme is a key component of the tertiary system and an area of focus for growth for the current Government, with a key role in developing strategic priorities, ensuring international education supports key educational and economic outcomes, and regulating international education. The team also has responsibility for policy work on the welfare of domestic and international tertiary students including the Code of Pastoral Care and dispute resolution schemes.

Policy Analyst Salary range: $74,015 - $89,547 per annum + 3% KiwiSaver.

Senior Policy Analyst Salary range: $99,496 - $143,760 per annum + 3% KiwiSaver.

The successful candidates 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 Policy Analyst
For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here Senior Policy Analyst
 
About you | Mōhou ake

We are looking for committed and experienced Policy and Senior Policy Analysts who will be able to hit the ground running and bring passion, energy and analytical ability. We would like to hear from you if you have proven policy experience, and
 

• have excellent knowledge of policy and government processes
• have sound oral and written communication skills
• are committed to developing evidence-based policy analysis and advice
• are able to develop and work on complex and sensitive policy projects or programmes of work
• thrive in a fast-paced policy environment
• are interested in establishing strong working relationships across the wider Ministry and key government agencies
• demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori
• have 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.

To be successful in a Senior Policy Analyst role, you will have proven experience as a Senior Policy Analyst and you will also:
 

• have proven ability to develop and lead evidence-based complex and sensitive policy projects or programmes of work
• have excellent oral and written communication skills
• be able to work autonomously, demonstrate self-motivation and remain calm, focussed and resilient under pressure
• have established strong working relationships across key government agencies to ensure effective management of cross-government programmes
• excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated a teamwork approach
• strength or enjoyment in developing and mentoring junior staff.

In return we can offer you the opportunity to contribute to a high profile, challenging and ambitious agenda for change, a strong focus on the development of our people, and the ability to drive and influence policy direction.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

These teams are two of the four teams in the Tertiary and Evidence group that sits within Te Pou Kaupapahere (the Ministry’s policy 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 design of a new tertiary education strategy and how to give effect to Ministerial priorities across the tertiary education portfolios. Our work sits across social and economic policy, and we work closely with other government agencies including TEC, NZQA, MBIE, ENZ, and others.

Te Pou Kaupapahere 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 collaborate across government organisations so our advice to Ministers is joined up.

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.

Please include in your cover letter which role you are applying for.

For further information and a confidential conversation, please contact Anne Fontaine at anne.fontaine@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Friday 23 May 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.