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

Join our team as a permanent, full-time Senior Education Advisor in our Invercargill Office. This is a great opportunity for the right person to join the Ministry of Education's Southland team.

As a Senior Education Advisor, you will work directly with our tumuaki, senior school leaders, and Boards of Trustees on strengthening educational performance in schools and kura. You will ensure that sector leaders and the communities in which they operate have access to the expertise, programmes and resources that will allow our children and young people to reach their full potential.

Salary range: $86,225 - $104,071 per annum + 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

We are looking for a person who has:

• The ability to influence others with knowledge, skills and experience in improving student engagement and achievement.
• A good understanding of the New Zealand education system and of legislation relevant to education
• Experience, preferably at a leadership level, in Secondary or Primary education, Māori medium, or school governance.
• Relationship and stakeholder management experience
• The ability to understand and apply the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• The ability to partner with others to support and implement change initiatives.
• A relevant tertiary qualification
• A full New Zealand driver’s licence
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sector.

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. 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 Annie Nelson – Manager, Integrated Services at annie.nelson@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Sunday 06 December 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.