Lead 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

Do you have a passion and flair for planning, analysis and relationship management?  Do you have an understanding or strong interest in education systems in New Zealand and relevant legislation?  Are you experienced in having difficult conversations?

The Lead Adviser Network supports the work of the Ministry of Education’s Te Mahau regional teams by advising on the management and design of the Hawkes Bay and Tairāwhiti network of schools and on the long-term and medium-term structure and design of the schooling network. This includes the implementation and management of Enrolment Schemes, roll growth planning, learning support network, Māori Medium pathways.

You will be preparing and contributing to Ministerial Reports, submissions, briefings and official information requests.

This requires you to build a good understanding of the wider regional environment and trends, and identify potential opportunities risks and issues before they arise . This will involve engaging with a wide range of stakeholders including school boards, principals, education organisations, government agencies and council planners.

You will analyse data and collate insights gained from your strong relationships with internal staff and external agencies, to identify changing needs within the schooling network so that the Ministry is able to respond effectively.

You will be managing the work programme , maintaining high level oversight across network projects, and outputs for a small team and will need to work collectively with  the team to achieve results, while also being part of a larger community of Lead Advisors Network nationally . You will be required to manage risks associated with the schooling network.

Salary range: $99,496 - $120,690 per annum + 3% 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. 

About you | Mōhou ake

To be successful in this role, you will have the following experience and capabilities:

• Resilience, a confident communicator experienced in having critical conversations
• experience working in a complex organisation.
• ability to build a good understanding of the wider regional environment and trends, and identify potential opportunities risks and issues before they arise.
• a proven ability to use data and insights to identify trends, risks and opportunities, to influence and guide organisational and system-level decision making.
• a track record of bringing people together and leading, coaching and mentoring others to achieve outcomes.
• project management and planning skills and an understanding of project management methodology.
• understanding of education systems in New Zealand, and relevant education legislation.
• understanding of the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and their implications on network provision within the education sector.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The Operations and Insights team is part of Te Mahau | Te Tai Whenua (Central), a frontline group that collectively provides leadership and integrated services, working with education providers, children and their whānau/families across the Hawke’s Bay – Tairāwhiti region. This includes services such as learning support, education advice and regulation functions for schools, kura, kōhanga and early learning services.

As a frontline group we develop and harness existing relationships with communities at the regional and local level, including deep relationships with iwi and hapū.

We also collectively strengthen relationships with our diverse communities who support Māori, Pacific peoples, disabled ākonga and/or ākonga with learning support needs, and ākonga from disadvantaged backgrounds

From within the Te Mahau group you will work closely and collaboratively across different groups within the Ministry of Education.  Including Infrastructure Management and property delivery teams.

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 Andrew Siddles at Andrew.Siddles@education.govt.nz  

Applications close Midnight – Sunday, 25 May 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.