Advisor or Senior Advisor - Wellington

Kumaravine - Celebrating Māori & Pasifika success; Wellington; On-site; NZD 87,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

TEC Days leave

Flexible/hybrid working

Wellington office access

Job summary

Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) is seeking an Advisor or Senior Advisor to join the Ministerial Work Programme through to December 2028. The role focuses on designing and implementing the new TREF fund, with leadership potential for seniors and capability-building for advisors.

Ideal candidates bring strong policy, writing and relationship skills, with knowledge of NZ’s research sector and ability to learn quickly across teams and agencies. Wellington-based, hybrid work is available.

Qualifications

• Experience in operational policy and implementation, producing technical reports and guidance.
• Strong writing, analysis and relationship skills relevant to research sector.

Responsibilities

• Provide analysis and advice to support design and implementation of the TREF work programme.
• Develop and refine technical and operational policy, processes, and guidance.
• Build effective relationships across TEC and with agencies (e.g., Ministry of Education, MBIE).
• Collaborate with research offices, technical staff and senior leaders across tertiary providers.

Skills

Policy implementation

Technical reporting

Stakeholder engagement

Research sector knowledge

Job description

Advisor or Senior Advisor - Ministerial Work Programme | Fixed term to December 2028

At the TEC, you'll be part of a team committed to shaping a dynamic tertiary education system that delivers lifelong learning and supports strong outcomes for learners, whānau, communities, and employers. You'll join an organisation guided by public service values, united by a spirit of service, and dedicated to deepening partnerships with Māori in line with Te Tiriti o Waitangi. You'll work alongside enthusiastic, high-performing colleagues in a supportive environment that values collaboration, cultural capability, and continuous learning. Here, your expertise will help influence system change, strengthen relationships across Aotearoa/New Zealand, and contribute to better futures for all learners.

The government has recently announced that the TEC's second largest fund, the $315 million a year Performance-Based Research Fund (PBRF), is being replaced by a new Tertiary Research Excellence Fund (TREF). Implementing the TREF will transform the way tertiary education research capability funding is invested and requires a significant new TEC work programme over the next three years.

Why work for us?

We're looking for an energetic, savvy Advisor or Senior Advisor to join the Ministerial Work Programme team through to December 2028 and contribute to the design and implementation of a new tertiary research fund. This is an opportunity for an experienced Senior Advisor to lead significant pieces of work, or for an Advisor with at least two years' relevant experience to further develop their capability while supporting a high-priority legacy project.

You’ll bring strong writing, analysis and relationship skills, relevant knowledge of the Aotearoa New Zealand research sector, and the ability to quickly develop technical expertise.

He angitūtanga: What will you be doing?

You’ll contribute to this work programme by:

• Providing analysis and advice to support the operational design and implementation of the TREF—leading defined work at Senior Advisor level or supporting delivery while developing capability at Advisor level.
• Contributing to the development of technical and operational policy, processes, and guidance.
• Building effective working relationships across TEC and with agencies such as the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
• Working with research offices, technical staff, and senior leaders across tertiary providers.

He kōrero mōu: What will you bring to the role?

For appointment as a Senior Advisor: current experience in operational policy and implementation, developing technical reports and guidance, and confidently leading work with senior academic or research stakeholders.

For appointment as an Advisor: developing experience in these areas, sound transferable analytical and writing skills, and the readiness to support delivery while building capability on a significant legacy project.

Both: Relevant knowledge or experience of the tertiary education, research, or public sector, including an understanding of government processes and policy implementation.

Both: The ability to quickly develop subject-matter expertise and work collaboratively across teams, agencies, and stakeholder groups.

Both: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong accuracy, organisation, and attention to detail.

The opportunity to work in a high-performing team, in an area of high priority that is important to the success of the tertiary education system.

Three additional (TEC Days) leave days

A range of benefits including flexible/hybrid working. (As this is a Wellington‑based role, applicants need to be able to attend the office at least three days per week. Unfortunately, we’re unable to progress applications from candidates who cannot meet this requirement).

Remuneration

Recruitment Range: Advisor, $86,769 to $102,081 - Senior Advisor, $93,327 to $109,797.

Placement in range will be dependent on the skills and experience you bring.

The closing date for this role is Sunday 13 September 2026.

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact **@tec.govt.nz.

Applicants must have NZ citizenship or permanent residency to be considered for this vacancy. If you hold a permanent residency visa, please provide a copy with your application.

Prior to the Tertiary Education Commission confirming any offer of employment, we will conduct pre-employment checks including criminal conviction history and reference checking as a minimum.