Senior Research 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

We are seeking an experienced Senior Research Analyst to join our Sensitive Claims research team. You will lead the planning and delivery of complex qualitative research, drawing on archival records to provide timely, high‑quality reports and advice. Your audiences will vary from senior leaders and decision-makers to survivors and their advocates.

This is a unique opportunity and given the context of the work, we are keen to hear from candidates with historical research experience.  

This is your chance to enhance your analytical rigour, mentoring capability and resilience to complex and sensitive matters with purpose-driven outcomes.

In this role, you will be:

• Leading the planning and delivery of high-quality research using appropriate qualitative research tools and methodologies.
• Providing expert advice and information to the Sensitive Claims Leadership Team and to other governance or working groups as required.
• Overseeing and ensuring the delivery of high quality, timely and robust advice to key internal stakeholders and decision makers, responding to queries and information requests.
• Leading qualitative analysis of archival material and presenting insights clearly through tailored research reports for diverse audiences.
• Developing high quality written reports and presentation materials that communicate analytical outputs clearly across a range of audiences and media.
• Leading and contributing to Ministerial and public communications, including providing high level advice and support as required.

Salary range: $100,296 - $121,490 per annum plus 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

You are a highly experienced and analytical historical researcher who delivers clear, high-quality outputs in complex environments. You work well with sensitive material, manage competing priorities, and contribute positively as part of a team.

You will also bring:

• Extensive experience scoping, planning, and delivering complex qualitative research projects, including designing and implementing research approaches to identify and locate required information, or confirming where information is unavailable
• Experienced in research using Archives New Zealand, public sector files etc.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to think critically and develop well‑considered solutions.
• Experience delivering high‑quality written research outputs, including reports and advice suitable for internal, external, and senior decision‑making audiences.
• Ability to work independently and navigate competing priorities, demonstrating ownership, persistence, and a strong focus on achieving outcomes.
• Mentoring capability to support the growth of junior colleagues.
• A strategic, improvement‑focused mindset, with curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to strengthening research practice.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake 

The Sensitive Claims team leads and delivers the Ministry’s redress process for addressing claims of historic abuse or neglect in state schools. A sensitive claim is defined as a claim where an individual alleges that they were abused or neglected at a state or residential special school and is seeking some form of redress. We ensure claims are managed in a respectful, mana-enhancing way, and that claimants and their whānau are at the centre of everything we do.

We also work closely with the Crown Response Office and other state redress agencies on delivering the Government’s Redress response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State Care.

Our group sits within Te Pou Taunaki | Learning Support group who are accountable for providing functional leadership to all learning support services spanning national functions and regional delivery, delivered either in-house, by education providers or by other providers.

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 Verity Treadwell, Chief Advisor Redress Implementation at verity.treadwell@education.govt.nz.

Applications close Midnight – Wednesday, 13 May 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.