Job Description

Advisor or Senior Advisor - Ministerial Work Programme | Fixed term 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 enthusiastic, 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 energetic, savvy Advisor or Senior Advisor to join the Ministerial Work Programme team through to December 2028 and contribute to the design and implementation of a new tertiary research fund. This is an opportunity for an experienced Senior Advisor to lead significant pieces of work, or for an Advisor with at least two years' relevant experience to further develop their capability while supporting a high-priority legacy project.

You'll bring strong writing, analysis and relationship skills, relevant knowledge of the Aotearoa New Zealand research sector, and the ability to quickly develop technical expertise.

He angitūtanga: What will you be doing?

You'll contribute to this work programme by:

• Providing analysis and advice to support the operational design and implementation of the TREF—leading defined work at Senior Advisor level or supporting delivery while developing capability at Advisor level.
• Contributing to the development of technical and operational policy, processes, and guidance.
• Building effective working relationships across TEC and with agencies such as the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
• Working with research offices, technical staff, and senior leaders across tertiary providers.

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

• For appointment as a Senior Advisor: current experience in operational policy and implementation, developing technical reports and guidance, and confidently leading work with senior academic or research stakeholders.
• For appointment as an Advisor: developing experience in these areas, sound transferable analytical and writing skills, and the readiness to support delivery while building capability on a significant legacy project.

• Both: Relevant knowledge or experience of the tertiary education, research, or public sector, including an understanding of government processes and policy implementation.
• Both: The ability to quickly develop subject-matter expertise and work collaboratively across teams, agencies, and stakeholder groups.
• Both: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong accuracy, organisation, and attention to detail.
• Both: An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, kaupapa Māori and Mātauranga Māori.

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).

Remuneration

Recruitment Range:  Advisor, $86,769 to $102,081 - Senior Advisor, $93,327 to $109,797.

Placement in range will be dependent on the skills and experience you bring.

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 Sunday 13 September 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.