Senior Policy Manager, Tertiary International and Learner Wellbeing Policy
Wellington, NZ
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
- Are you interested in shaping policy priorities for New Zealand’s education system?
- Do you have a passion for ‘big picture’ analysis and advice?
- Are you looking for complex, interesting and varied work that develops your career?
This is a great opportunity for a results-driven leader to contribute to priority policy areas for Government and work within a collegial and supportive team culture.
We are looking for a Senior Policy Manager to join and lead the International Policy team in Te Pou Kaupapahere, the Ministry’s policy group.
This role will suit an experienced people leader, with strong policy leadership capability, excellent relationship management skills, and public sector experience in a policy management or an advisory role.
You’ll also think strategically about how to achieve the policy goals of Government across the education sector.
Your role will be to provide people and policy leadership and to focus on developing your team within our policy group. You’ll join a supportive management team and a policy shop that is driven to make a difference for Aotearoa.
Reporting to the General Manager Tertiary Education, you’ll lead a team of committed policy analysts. An important part of the role is an ability to be aware of and sensitive to diverse cultures and peoples, as you traverse policy advice impacting on international students in the New Zealand education context and offshore. There’ll be opportunities to advise Ministers and senior leadership on international education matters and strengthen your reputation as a dynamic policy leader.
International Education is a key component of the tertiary system and an area of focus for growth for the current Government. You will play a key role in developing strategic priorities and:
• ensuring that international education supports key educational, economic and cultural outcomes
• Regulating international education
You will also be responsible for policy settings that support the welfare of both domestic and international tertiary students, including:
• Student wellbeing and safety codes and dispute resolution scheme
• Student voice and representation
Salary range: $142,856 - $214,284 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 Senior Policy Manager Tertiary International and Learner Wellbeing Policy
About you | Mōhou ake
We would like to hear from you if you have proven policy management experience, and
- have proven ability to develop and lead multiple complex and sensitive cross-Ministry policy projects or programmes of work, to deliver on Ministerial priorities and the Ministry’s outcomes
- demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori
- thrive in a fast-paced policy environment
- have established strong working relationships across key government agencies to ensure effective management of cross-government programmes
- 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.
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
Collectively, Te Pou Kaupapahere are 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 and international education policy.
We hold the relationship with all education Ministers and provide integrated policy advice to them. We collaborate across government organisations so our advice to Ministers is joined up.
We work to develop strong internal relationships as well as working closely with other central education agencies and other parts of the government. We use high quality research and evidence of what works and are informed by knowledge held by our frontline colleagues.
Our group works closely with other groups across the Ministry of Education, and together we hold relationships with iwi, hapū, hapori and Māori peak bodies, that support the development of policy that honours te Tiriti o Waitangi.
We hold the regulatory stewardship function, taking a whole-of-system, lifecycle view across for the entire education system, as well as for each regulatory subsystem.
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 Katrina Sutich, General Manager, Tertiary Policy at Katrina.Sutich@education.govt.nz
Applications close Midnight Monday 24 November 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.
