Senior Advisor, Network

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

• Permanent
• Based in our Hamilton Office, Waikato 

As the Senior Education Advisor, you will provide advice and expertise on changes to the school network, including new initiatives, enrolment scheme management and the implementation of network changes. A key responsibility is managing the enrolment scheme programme – supporting the Education team through the process, providing guidance, and overseeing community consultation via the Ministry’s online consultation hub.

This role works closely with teams across the Ministry, including School Property, Strategic Advisor Māori, Early Learning, and Learning Support, to plan and implement initiatives to support access to equitable and excellent outcomes

Salary range: $85,225 - $103,071 per annum plus KiwiSaver.  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. 

About you | Mōhou ake

To be successful in this role, you will need to have the following capabilities and competencies:

• Proven ability to establish, build and maintain highly effective working relationships including liaising with, communicating to, consulting with, and influencing stakeholders – both internally and externally.
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills and the ability to understand complex and challenging issues and convey this in clear, practical, and concrete terms, tailored for the audience.
• A proven ability to use data and insights to identify trends, risks and opportunities, to influence and guide organistational and system-level decision making
• A commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.
• Experience in working in large and complex organisations and navigating systems and processes to achieve results.
• Understanding of education systems in New Zealand and relevant education legislation.
• Ability to identify risks and mitigation.
• Ability to influence and work through others where direct reporting relationships do not exist.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

If you think that you can make a strong contribution to the success of this organisation, and you can demonstrate the required skills and attitude to work as part of our busy team, we encourage you to apply.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Mahau | Education Services

The Education Services Group provides well-designed, integrated education services that support the impactful and effective operation of education settings to support student achievement and participation. The services help to remove barriers to participation and learning and provide regulatory advice, support and oversight to early learning providers, schools and kura.

The Group has three key priorities for Education Services:

• Practice & Guidance: Managing practice and guidance to improve national coordination and consistency, whilst enabling regional autonomy for education service delivery.
• Integration & Delivery: Providing education support directly to education settings via integrated regional and national services. This includes intervening when necessary to ensure a high standard of operation to support student outcomes and owning key stakeholder relationships to support schooling improvement and stronger outcomes for learners.
• Monitoring & Improvement: Monitoring and advising on improvements to the effectiveness, efficiency and equity of services for achievement and progression, and attendance and participation. This includes monitoring education provider performance against regulations and intervening as required.

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 (please do not email your application). 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 Michael Henson by email Michael.Henson@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Sunday, 19 April 2026.

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.