Senior Policy Analyst, Funding Policy

About This Role

Shaping how schools across New Zealand are funded and staffed to improve outcomes for learners is the core of this permanent full-time position. The role involves working at the heart of the education system within a high-performing policy team. It suits an experienced, capable, and committed Policy Analyst to join the Funding Policy team within the Schools Policy Group.

Responsibilities

• Design how operational funding is allocated to reflect the real costs schools face
• Review staffing entitlements to ensure schools have sufficient flexibility and resourcing to employ the teachers they need
• Improve funding models for charter schools or Māori-medium education to better support different delivery models and communities
• Consider what accountability and monitoring settings are needed to ensure funding is reaching the learners and outcomes it is intended to support

Requirements

• Proven policy experience at a senior analyst level
• Thrive in a fast-paced policy environment
• Proven ability to collaborate with others to find solutions
• Critical thinker and able to bring innovative approaches to complex policy issues
• Sound approaches to developing evidence-based analysis and advice
• Experience providing high-quality advice to senior leadership teams and Ministers
• Demonstrated knowledge of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori
• Knowledge of te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sector
• Ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct

Benefits

• Opportunity to contribute to a high profile, challenging, and ambitious agenda for change
• Strong focus on the development of our people
• Ability to drive and influence policy direction

Important Details

• Schedule: full-time
• Contract: permanent
• Application deadline: 9 September 2026, Midnight Wednesday

Application Process

• Submit your cover letter and resume using the ‘apply' button
• In your cover letter, share information about you, your values, motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role

About the Company

The organization works to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes in New Zealand. It is made up of talented and committed people from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. The Schools Policy Group works at the heart of the schooling system, designing policy to ensure every learner has the opportunity to thrive. The Funding Policy team leads the Ministry's policy advice on how schools are funded and staffed across New Zealand, focusing on core funding settings and targeted funding to support specific needs.