National Policy Advisor

About the role

New Zealand School Trustees Association’s policy advisor will be responsible for developing organisational policies on the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) initiatives and legislative changes that impact on the school governance responsibilities of boards. In addition, should there be an issue impacting on the operation of school boards raised by the Crown or one of our stakeholder partners, you will research and prepare briefings for our President, CEO and Senior Leadership Team (SLT).

On a day-day basis, you will spend time consulting with stakeholders and other agencies. This may require you to represent NZSTA externally at sector meetings. You will also research school board members’ for their opinions on issues. Using an evidence-based approach you will consult internally and with the sector, to provide hard, quantitative evidence that supports our policy position. Additional time will be spent reading, writing, and analysing information.

This position is a permanent full-time position (40 hours per week) based in our national office on Lambton Quay, Wellington. Flexible working arrangements (including working from home) subject to negotiation are available for this role.

 About you

• It is desirable to have a relevant tertiary qualification
• Have good knowledge of the education sector especially the compulsory schooling environment and the role of school boards
• Understand policy development processes and effective policy implementation
• Your analytical skills are highly developed and you can demonstrate a commitment to developing and maintaining specialist skills and knowledge in your area of expertise
• Positive, constructive team player
• You are adaptable and reflective, open-minded, pragmatic and conscientious
• Have an understanding of and commitment to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Tikanga Māori, including comfort in te reo Māori environment.

 About us

New Zealand School Trustees Association (NZSTA) is the voice of school boards in New Zealand, providing service to New Zealand’s 2,500 state and state-integrated schools and kura.

We are a values-based organisation; one that is determined to provide the very best services and support to our members, our education sector stakeholders, New Zealand school and their communities.

As the professional body for school boards, NZSTA is at the heart of school governance. We influence and inform policy and sector outcomes; we support and enable school boards to flourish; we connect like-minded people through our learning and networking opportunities; we strengthen communities by helping students achieve.

NZSTA was established in 1989, following the introduction of New Zealand’s largest school reform, Tomorrow’s Schools. We are a not-for profit incorporated society with charitable trust status.

 Our values

High – Expectations | High – Trust | High – Transparency | High – Accountability

 Apply today

If you're excited by the opportunity to join a team who are passionate about strengthening school governance in Aotearoa, then don't delay in applying.

Note: Applications will be processed on receipt

Please submit a tailored CV and a cover letter outlining your motivation for your application, highlighting relevant skills and experience.

Send your CV and cover letter, either through SEEK or directly to us at recruitment@nzsta.org.nz.

For further information about the role, please contact Patrick Ikiua, Director Professional Practice, on Ph 021 599 024 for a confidential discussion.

View the position description HERE

Applications close:  Wednesday 31 May 2023

NZSTA Recruitment:

P: 021 190 7273

E: recruitment@nzsta.org.nz

 Additional Details

• Only applicants who are eligible to work in New Zealand (permanent work rights with no restrictions) and meet our requirements will be considered for this position
• Driver’s licence is required
• Ministry of Justice vetting will be undertaken