Senior Policy Analyst

Job Type: External Secondment

Location:
Wellington, NZ

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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

Secondment opportunity until February 2027

Wellington - based

Hybrid work environment

This is a 6-month external secondment based in Wellington.

Are you passionate about contributing to lifting the achievement of ākonga Māori?

An opportunity for an experienced Senior Policy Analyst to develop your policy skills and experience focused on Māori education, Māori in education and development of te reo Māori policy.

A supportive team environment with a stimulating Policy work programme.

Work in an organisation that prioritises Manaakitanga, Whānaungatanga, Kaitiakitanga, and Kotahitanga.

We are looking to recruit a Senior Policy Analyst in Whakamana Māori Policy to contribute to the development of policy in some challenging and meaningful areas. Mindful of the term for the secondment, we need an experienced Senior Policy Analyst to contribute the team’s current work programme supporting: the actions in the Māori Education Action Plan (the actions are underpinned by the Minister of Education’s six education priorities); Ka Hikitia – Ka Hāpaitia, the Māori Education Strategy; and Tau Mai Te Reo, the Māori Language in Education Strategy. The team also has a stewardship role in supporting other key work programmes across the Policy group.

We offer

As mentioned above, a hybrid work environment

A range of employee network groups

An inclusive environment that encourages your personal cultural competency journey

Development and learning, including mentorship programmes

Wellness initiatives to support your overall health and wellbeing

The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

About you | Mōhou ake

We are looking for candidates with several years of policy experience, committed to developing evidence-based analysis and advice leading to positive outcomes for ākonga Māori, whānau, hapū, iwi and Māori. Having a strong commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi as it applies to the public sector is essential.

You will:
want to make a difference for ākonga Māori, whānau, hapū, iwi and Māori

have proven ability to collaborate with others to find solutions

be a critical thinker and can bring innovative Māori approaches to complex policy issues

have sound approaches to developing evidence-based analysis and advice, and

The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Pou Kaupapahere is striving to be one of the leading policy groups in government, known for high-quality evidence-based policy made in partnership with operational hoamahi, a leader in Tiriti analysis, a place that is empowering to work in, and where we strive for equity and excellence for all ākonga.

The work of Whakamana Māori Policy focuses on ensuring that Māori are enjoying and achieving education success as Māori, so they develop the skills to participate in te ao Māori, Aotearoa and the wider world. This includes a focus on growing te reo Māori through education and growing education through te reo Māori to protect and promote te reo Māori for future generations.

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 Mārama Paki, Senior Policy Manager at [email protected]

Applications close Midnight Friday 14 August 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.