Principal Advisor

Help shape the future of Education

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our ākonga in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

• An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and skilled Principal Advisor to join our team in Canterbury
• This is a permanent full-time role
• Based in Canterbury

As a Principal Adviser you will provide leadership and support to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of high-quality services. The role of Principal Advisor will also be required to take responsibility for aligned deliverables and lead discrete pieces of work as agreed with their direct manager.

The Principal Advisor leads the provision of specialised work programmes across a range of programmes and services that support students across the region to stay engaged and achieve in education. Maintaining a regional overview of the activities being delivered and provide guidance, support and improvements to ensure the delivery of high quality programmes and services.

To be effective in this role

• Prepare high-quality, strategic advice on complex risks, issues, and opportunities that impact the region and sector.
• Provide thought leadership and mentoring to support the wider team to anticipate, respond to, and manage emerging challenges.
• Work collaboratively across the Ministry to co-design and implement solutions that address critical regional and national issues.
• Support the Director of Education in managing key external relationships with agencies, community organisations, and other stakeholders.
• Contribute specialist expertise to policy, design, and implementation advice, informed by strong evidence, insight, and regional intelligence.
• Lead and contribute to strategic planning processes, including the development of business cases, operational plans, and cross-agency initiatives.

Salary range: $118,371.00 - $143,760.00 per annum + 4% kiwi saver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

For more details about the role, you can view the job description here.

We also offer:

• Flexible working arrangements where everyone feels valued & supported.
• The ability to purchase extra days leave.
• A range of employee network groups.
• An inclusive environment that encourages your personal cultural competency journey.
• Development and learning, including mentorship programmes and internal secondments.
• Wellness initiatives to support your overall health and wellbeing.

About you | Mōhou ake

You will have:

• A relevant tertiary qualification.
• A full, clean New Zealand driving license.

To be successful in the role, you’ll be working collaboratively with key internal and external stakeholders, developing relationships at senior levels. You’ll bring a strong understanding of the public sector and a proven ability to navigate complex organisational environments.

You will also offer:

• Demonstrated experience in leading projects and delivering change in large, complex organisations
• Deep understanding of the Machinery of Government and public sector delivery systems.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, communication, and influencing skills—particularly at senior levels.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The Canterbury Te Mahau team provides leadership and integrated services to the education sector and wider communities, in alignment with national priorities such as achievement, attendance, and learning support. These services include learning support, education advice, and regulatory functions for schools and early learning services across the region.

The Principal Advisor role sits within the Operations & Insights team, which is responsible for managing regional business operations and processes. The team is the critical connection point between day-to-day operational delivery and the region’s longer-term strategic direction. We support the Director of Education and the wider leadership team to provide a responsive, accessible, and integrated local support function.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

For further information, please contact Fiona Cook-Manager, Operations & Insights at Fiona.cook@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight –  Thursday 10th July, 2025

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.