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
This is a full-time Fixed term position for 12 - 18 months based in Wellington.
We are looking for an experienced, capable and committed Senior Policy Analyst to join our policy community to lead the development of policy in some high profile, new and challenging areas. We are looking for a great person to join the Funding Policy team in the Schools Policy group.
The Schools Policy group is responsible for developing policy that supports some of our biggest within-school levers to improve outcomes for children and young people. The group’s work spans quality teaching and leadership, the curriculum and qualifications schools deliver, school resourcing, and the networks and infrastructure that support access to education. Our aim is to ensure that every learner has the opportunity to thrive.
The Funding Policy team drives the Ministry’s advice on all of our funding levers across the schooling system. This includes work on funding settings, particularly how we staff and fund schools, to ensure all learners are supported across State schools, charter schools, private schools, and Kaupapa Māori and Māori‑medium education. More widely, the team also leads work on international students in the schooling system. We work with teams across the Ministry, from data analytics through to operational delivery, on a wide range of funding dimensions. We work on complex, high-impact policy challenges that makes a real, positive difference for children and young people in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Salary range: $100,296 - $144,560 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 hereSenior Policy Analyst
About you | Mōhou ake
You will have proven policy experience at a senior analyst level, and
- thrive in a fast-paced policy environment
- have proven ability to collaborate with others to find solutions
- be a critical thinker and be able to bring innovative approaches to complex policy issues
- have sound approaches to developing evidence-based analysis and advice
- have experience providing high quality advice to senior leadership teams and Ministers
- have demonstrated knowledge of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori
- have knowledge 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
This role sits within Te Pou Kaupapahere, the Ministry’s Policy Group. 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.
Te Pou Kaupapahere works alongside our colleagues in other parts of the Ministry, other central education agencies and wider government to provide Ministers with policy options to resource and shape the education system. This means delivering whole-of-system, end-to-end policy that covers early learning, schooling, and tertiary including Māori medium, te reo Māori, Pacific and learning support.
Our group provides policy support for all parts of the Ministry, including their connections with iwi, hapū, hapori and Māori peak bodies, in the development of policy that honours te Tiriti o Waitangi.
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, including holding relationships with all education Ministers.
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 Anne Fontaine, Principal Advisor at Anne.Fontaine@education.govt.nz
Applications close Midnight Wednesday 18 February 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.
