Job Description

Senior Advisor Operational Policy & Implementation

At the Tertiary Education Commission (Te Amorangi Mātauranga Matua), we're here to create a dynamic tertiary education system that delivers lifelong learning and equips learners, communities, and employers for success.

Our vision is a resilient, prosperous New Zealand where every person has the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive. Learn more at www.tec.govt.nz.

This is fixed-term role to cover an internal secondment through to 26 March 2027.

He angitūtanga: About the Role

We are looking for a Senior Advisor to lead, manage and contribute to varied work that crosses operational policy and implementation design.   

• Operational policy advice: Provide advice on the interpretation of policy for colleagues and the sector, support drafting secondary legislation, draft contract conditions, and critically assess policy proposals to provide implementation advice
• Operational policy analysis and implementation design: Use analysis to explore, define and solve problems, design how policy and strategy work in practice, create fit-for-purpose implementation products such as guidance, investment assessment criteria, and application forms
• Plan and deliver: Plan and scope work, meet deadlines, identify risks and issues, and collaborate with other teams to ensure coordinated implementation
• Communication: Seek decisions and keep everyone in the loop; draft memos, guidelines, website content, and presentations; use effective communication tactics to manage change.

Senior Advisors work on and lead small, medium, and larger pieces of work to deliver the right outcomes and solve the problem at hand. For a taster of the policies we work on, and with, day-to-day see Funding Mechanisms and Delegations on the TEC website.

Previous Government experience working in a policy and/or operational policy environment, particularly in the administration of legislation and/or investment programmes, is highly desirable.  

He kōrero mōu - The skills we look for  

In addition to relevant policy and implementation design experience, we look out for how you:

• Tackle challenging problems - understand complex and ambiguous concepts and situations, and think critically
• Collaborate - thrive in a busy, tight-knit and collaborative team environment
• Build trusted relationships - with colleagues and stakeholders; to understand impacts, improve policies and processes, and to negotiate and influence
• Take initiative - proactively identify options to deliver effective solutions on time
• Develop and learn - actively seek input and feedback
• Apply cultural competence - including your understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and ability to work with people from different backgrounds
• Write well - clear, concise, plain English, alongside an eye for detail, is essential for the role.

If you don't have all the relevant experience described in this ad, but think you have other skills that would be valuable to Operational Policy & Implementation at the TEC, we welcome your application.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What's in it for you?

• Three additional (TEC Days) leave days.
• Recognition of previous public service which enhances your annual leave, long service leave and severance entitlements (conditions apply).
• Reduced premiums through our Health Insurance Group Scheme.
• At TEC we are committed to supporting a range of flexible working arrangements to help staff manage their work and personal commitments, we also expect team members to be in the office at least three days per week to help collaboration.

The salary for this position starts at $93,327 and up to $109,797 + 3% KiwiSaver which is negotiable depending on demonstrable skills and experience

Me pēhea te tuku tono: How to Apply

The role description is attached to the advertisement for the position. To apply for this great opportunity, please email your tailored Cover Letter and CV to hr@tec.govt.nz before the closing date and time, we welcome your application.

The closing date for this role is 11:59pm Sunday 08 February 2026. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact hr@tec.govt.nz.

Applicants must have the ability to obtain and maintain the legal right to work in New Zealand.

Prior to the Tertiary Education Commission confirming any offer of employment, pre-employment checks will be undertaken including criminal conviction history and reference checking as a minimum.

The TEC is an equal opportunity employer and committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Your unique talents and experience will help us deliver exceptional services to New Zealand. We look forward to your application.