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, Tertiary Group
• Permanent, full-time
• Wellington-based

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 this role is for you.

We are looking for experienced, capable and committed Senior Policy Analysts to join our policy community to lead the development of policy in some high profile, new and challenging areas. We are looking for great people to fill roles in the following areas. Please include in your cover letter which role you are applying for.

The Tertiary Policy 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 implementation of a new tertiary education strategy and how to give effect to Ministerial priorities across tertiary education portfolios. Our work sits across social and economic policy, and we work closely with other government agencies including TEC, NZQA, MBIE, ENZ, IR, MSD and others.

The Tertiary Equity Access and Participation Team focuses on improving outcomes for learners across all levels of the tertiary education system. We provide tertiary policy advice to a range of internal and external stakeholders on specific barriers to access, participation and success, and on issues ranging from student financial support to foundation education to Wānanga. Our vision is for a tertiary education system that is inclusive and responsive, with low or no barriers; provides strong foundations and supports for all learners to thrive throughout their lives; and honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

The Tertiary International and Learner Wellbeing Policy team’s work programme is a key component of the tertiary system and an area of focus for growth for the current Government. The Government has set an ambitious goal of doubling the revenue from International Education by 2034. The International and Learner Wellbeing team plays 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.

The Tertiary Investment System Policy team drives the Ministry’s advice on funding levers across the tertiary system, including tertiary education research, funding and fee regulation. Government spends just under $4 billion per annum on Tertiary Education, making funding a key policy lever to drive change in the sector. 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 portfolio.

Salary range: $100,296 - $144,560 per annum + KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

Please note: Applications from affected kaimahi | employees will be given priority consideration.

For more details about the role, you can view the  Job Description here .

About you | Mōhou ake

We are looking for committed and experienced 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 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 team work approach
• strength or enjoyment in developing and mentoring junior staff
• 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 and
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

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

The roles sit within Te Pou Kaupapahere, the Ministry’s Policy Group. We are a group with a strong policy culture that works on issues affecting a huge system that directly impacts the lives of all New Zealanders.

Te Pou Kaupapahere works alongside our colleagues in other parts of the Ministry, other central education agencies and wider government to provide Ministers with policy options to resource and shape the education system. This means delivering whole-of-system, end-to-end policy that covers early learning, schooling, and tertiary including Māori medium, te reo Māori, Pacific and learning support.

Our group provides policy support for all parts of the Ministry, including their connections with iwi, hapū, hapori and Māori peak bodies, in the development of policy that honours te Tiriti o Waitangi.

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, including holding relationships with all education Ministers.

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, please contact Anne Fontaine, Principal Advisor at Anne.Fontaine@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight - Thursday, 16 April 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.