Senior Policy Analyst - Wellington

Kumara Vine; Wellington; Híbrido; NZD 101.000 - 146.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

The Ministry of Education is seeking a Senior Policy Analyst to join Te Pou Kaupapahere, within the Tertiary Policy Group. You will shape policy priorities for New Zealand’s education system, focusing on equity and participation for diverse learner groups.

You will lead complex policy analysis, provide evidence-based advice, and collaborate with agencies such as TEC, NZQA and MSD to deliver inclusive tertiary outcomes.

Formación

• Proven policy analysis experience across tertiary education policy and programmes.
• Ability to lead evidence-based policy projects and manage sensitive, complex work.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with published policy advice.

Responsabilidades

• Lead and advise on tertiary equity, access and participation policy.
• Develop policy options, assess impact on priority learner groups (Māori, Pacific and disabled learners).
• Engage across government agencies to coordinate cross-government programmes.

Conocimientos

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Oral and written communication

Autonomy

Teamwork

Mentoring juniors

Te Ao Māori knowledge

Te Tiriti o Waitangi knowledge

Cross-government collaboration

Descripción del empleo

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.

Permanent, full-time

Wellington-based

Learn in this established and supportive group

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 an experienced, capable and committed Senior Policy Analyst to join the Tertiary Policy Group within Te Pou Kaupapahere, the Ministry’s policy shop. The role sits within the Tertiary Equity, Access and Participation Policy team.

The Tertiary Equity, Access and Participation Policy team is responsible for the Ministry’s advice on supporting people and communities to equitably participate in tertiary education. This includes policy responsibility for student financial support, foundation education and Māori tertiary education. The team provides policy advice on outcomes for key learner groups, including Māori, Pacific and disabled learners. Current and recent priorities include reviewing Youth Guarantee and looking at student financial support settings as part of a tertiary education funding review.

Salary range: $101,296 - $145,560 per annum plus KiwiSaver.The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

• 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
• have excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated a teamwork approach
• have 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>

In return we can offer you the opportunity to work on high profile, challenging and ambitious policy issues, a strong focus on the development of our people, and the ability to drive and influence policy direction.

The Tertiary and Evidence 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 key opportunity areas across the tertiary education system so that it continues to deliver for learners, communities and the economy and on how to give effect to Ministerial priorities. Our work sits across social and economic policy, and we work closely with other government agencies including TEC, NZQA, MSD, IR, MBIE, ENZ, and others.

Te Pou Kaupapahere is 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. 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. 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.

Applications close Midnight – Wednesday, 11 November 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.