Job Description

Secondment/assignment/Fixed term opportunity

Principal Advisor, Ministerial Work Programme (through to December 2028)

Why work for us? At the TEC, you'll be part of a team committed to shaping a dynamic tertiary education system that delivers lifelong learning and supports strong outcomes for learners, whānau, communities, and employers. You'll join an organisation guided by public service values, united by a spirit of service, and dedicated to deepening partnerships with Māori in line with Te Tiriti o Waitangi. You'll work alongside passionate, high-performing colleagues in a supportive environment that values collaboration, cultural capability, and continuous learning. Here, your expertise will help influence system change, strengthen relationships across Aotearoa/New Zealand and contribute to better futures for all learners.

The government has recently announced that the TEC's second largest fund, the $315 million a year Performance-Based Research Fund (PBRF), is being replaced by a new Tertiary Research Excellence Fund (TREF). Implementing the TREF will transform the way tertiary education research capability funding is invested and requires a significant new TEC work programme over the next three years.

We're looking for an experienced, creative Principal Advisor to join us in in the Ministerial Work Programme team and lead key aspects of the design and implementation of a new tertiary research fund. With a passion for improving research outcomes in the Aotearoa New Zealand system, you'll have strengths in leadership, planning and implementation, relationship management, writing and analysis, and the ability to quickly develop technical expertise.

He angitūtanga: What will you be doing?

You'll contribute to this work programme by:

• Leading operational development and implementation of key new university sector research metrics as part of overall work on the TREF.
• Establishing close working relationships within the team, with a variety of staff across TEC and at other government agencies such as MoE and MBIE.
• Working with research offices, technical staff, and senior leaders at a range of tertiary providers.
• Leading the development of key technical and process guidance documents.
• Providing your expertise, analysis, and advice.
• Working with external suppliers as needed.

He kōrero mōu: What will you bring to the role?

• Essential: Current experience in operational policy and implementation
• Essential: Current experience in the development of technical, report writing and guidance documents
• Essential:Relevant tertiary education and research sector experience.
• Essential: An ability to work confidently with senior academic leaders and research professionals. specifically, the ability to relate confidently to academic leaders and researchers
• Essential: Proven wide-ranging experience with the development of government processes and the day-to-day administration of government policy
• Essential: Ability to quickly develop subject-matter expertise.
• Essential: Proven ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively in a cross-team and cross-agency environment.
• Ability to lead the development of IT requirements from a business perspective
• Understanding of the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and of kaupapa and Mātauranga Māori.
• Experience of contracting and procurement of services
• Well organised, thorough and conscientious, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

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

• The opportunity to work in a high-performing team, in an area of high priority that is important to the success of the tertiary education system.
• Pōneke CBD location
• Three additional (TEC Days) leave days
• A range of benefits including flexible/hybrid working. (As this is a Wellington‑based role, applicants need to be able to attend the office at least three days per week. Unfortunately, we're unable to progress applications from candidates who cannot meet this requirement).

Recruitment remuneration range: $128k to $150k. (Appointment in range will be based on our assessment of the skills and experience you bring to the role)

Me pēhea te tuku tono: How to Apply 

To view the role description and/or apply for this role, please click Apply for This Job, or visit the TEC Careers Portal. We request both a tailored cover letter and CV.

The closing date for this role is, 5:00pm Wednesday 8 April 2026. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact hr@tec.govt.nz.

Applicants must have NZ citizenship or permanent residency to be considered for this vacancy. If you hold a permanent residency visa, please provide a copy with your application.

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