Policy Analysts, System, Connections and Early Learning Policy

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The New Zealand Ministry of Education is seeking experienced Policy Analysts to join the System Policy and ECE System Investment Policy teams in Wellington.

You will shape policy priorities for New Zealand's education system, provide evidence-based analysis, and work across government to inform Ministers.

Permanent or secondment, full-time roles offer a collaborative, values-driven environment with opportunities to influence outcomes for learners, families and communities.

Qualifications

• Proven policy experience and knowledge of government processes.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop evidence-based policy analysis and advice.
• Able to work on complex and sensitive policy projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic policy advice and priorities.
• Collaborate across ministries and agencies to inform decisions.
• Analyze complex education policy issues and provide evidence-based recommendations.
• Support Ministers with policy guidance for system reform.

Skills

Policy analysis

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Critical thinking

Evidence-based policy

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New ZealandHelp shape the future of EducationWe work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomesOur 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 | Mo tenei turangaPermanent or secondment, full-timeWellington-basedLearn in this established and supportive groupIf 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 a role at the forefront of major system reform, then this role is for you.We are looking for experienced, capable and committed Policy Analysts to join our System, Connections and Early Learning Policy Group within Te Pou Kaupapahere, the Ministry's policy shop. We are seeking Policy Analysts for both the System Policy team and the Early Childhood Education (ECE) System Investment Policy team.System Policy teamThe System Policy team helps look beyond immediate issues to focus on the future of New Zealand's education system. We work across the Ministry and with partners to understand emerging challenges, develop strategic advice, and ensure the policies, settings, and institutions that underpin education are fit for the future. Our work supports Ministers and leaders to make informed decisions that strengthen outcomes for learners, whanau, and communities.ECE System Investment Policy teamThe team focuses on the funding system for early childhood services, to make a real difference to the lives of the youngest New Zealanders and their parents and whanau, helping support:children in their early years to enjoy a good life, learn and thrive in a safe environmentparental choice and participation in the labour market and wider economya complex market and diverse sector of private and community-based providers that employs tens of thousands of people throughout New Zealand.We also work in a Treaty-based way with Te Kohanga Reo National Trust and Nga Puna Reo o Aotearoa to support and grow kaupapa Maori early learning.This is a unique opportunity to support the modernisation of the early learning funding and regulatory systems, working with colleagues from across the Ministry and other Government agencies, and with the ECE sector.Salary range: $75,815 - $91,347 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 | Mohou akeWe are looking for committed and experienced 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, andhave excellent knowledge of policy and government processeshave excellent oral and written communication skillshave excellent interpersonal skills and a positive approach to team workhave experience developing evidence-based policy analysis and adviceare a critical thinker and you are keen to bring innovative approaches to policy issuesare able to develop and work on complex and sensitive policy projects or programmes of workthrive in a fast-paced policy environmentare interested in establishing strong working relationships across the wider Ministry and key government agenciesdemonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Maori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Maorihave knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sectorThe ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.About our group and team | Matau ropu akeTe Pou Kaupapahere is responsible for whole-of-system, end-to-end policy integration covering early learning, compulsory schooling, and tertiary including Maori medium, te reo Maori, 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.The System Policy Team and the ECE System Investment Policy Team are two of the policy teams that sit within the Systems, Connections and Early Learning Policy Group. The Group also includes the ECE System and Regulatory Policy Team (which looks at early childhood regulatory policy issues), the Crown Entity Monitoring and Appointments Team (responsible for monitoring the education crown entities) and the International Cooperation and Engagement Team (which manages New Zealand's educational engagement with other countries and bodies such as the OECD and UNESCO).The Group leads interesting and challenging work programmes aimed at strengthening education at a systems level to ensure that it is inclusive, responsive, delivers equitable outcomes for all learner groups and delivers on Government's priorities. The Group's system policy role offers long term strategic insights and analysis supporting the future of education in New Zealand including ECE, schooling and tertiary sectors. The Group's role in early childhood education policy offers exciting challenges for policy professionals, including advising on the design of a new funding system for early learning, working with our colleagues from MSD, the Treasury and IRD to address concerns such as equity and affordability and how to best target funding to need. Our work sits across social and economic policy, and we work closely with other government agencies including MSD, Oranga Tamariki, IRD, Treasury, ERO, TEC, NZQA, ENZ, and others.Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mo tenei 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 Rachel Voller (Senior Manager Policy for ECE System Investment) [e-mail] or Rebecca Barnes-Clarke (Senior Manager Policy for System Policy) [e-mail] close Midnight - Friday, 30 October 2026We 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.