Lead Advisor, Student Support

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 students in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

The Lead Adviser Student Support role is a permanent role in the Otago |Southland region. There is flexibility for the role to be located at any of our three offices – Dunedin, Invercargill or Cromwell.

This role will focus on ākonga attendance and engagement, creating supports and removing barriers to regular attendance. Lead Adviser Student Support will build capability for service delivery improvement across the region and will work with integrated service teams, contracted service providers, schools, kura, social service agencies, iwi and community partners to improve outcomes for ākonga.

Salary range: $99,496 - $120,690 per annum + 3% KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience Insert salary range

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

About you | Mōhou ake

The successful applicant will have to demonstrate that they can quickly establish strong relationships of purpose and high credibility with the education sector, alongside other government departments, service providers and NGOs to get the job done. We’re looking for a subject matter expert who can lead initiatives from development to implementation and contribute to the capability building of others.

To be successful you will need:

• A sound understanding of the New Zealand education system and relevant legislation and applicable criteria.
• Knowledge and experience working with schools and communities to re-engage ākonga in education.
• Understanding of the Attendance and Counselling Services.
• Ability to work in complex situations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and deliver quality work on time.
• Ability to use data and insights to make evidenced-based decisions and recommendations.
• A full driver licence.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

The Practice & Performance team brings together a range of experts to shape regional consistent delivery that strengthens systems performance. We oversee and maintain connections across the regional Ministry groups and teams to ensure practice integrity. The shared specialist knowledge within the team leads and contributes to the development and implementation of fit for purpose solutions and frameworks for current and future challenges, initiatives, work programmes and projects.

 About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Mahau | Te Tai Runga provides leadership and integrated services to the education sector and others. This includes learning support; education advice and regulation functions for schools and early learning services; and advice and support with curriculum. We also share practice and learnings collaboratively with other Te Mahau and Ministry groups to support insights driven guidance, design, and policy.

We work closely with the Early Childhood and Schooling sectors, providers, and communities to provide support, expertise, and resources to help children and young people reach their full potential.

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.

Applications via email are not able to be accepted.

For further information, please contact Aimee Te Tau, Manager Practice & Performance at   aimee.tetau@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Sunday, 22 June 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.