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

Principal Advisors provide leadership and support to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of high-quality services. This role supports the regional leadership team in maintaining an overview of the regional activities being delivered and provides advice, guidance, frameworks and quality assurance.

The role of Principal Advisor will also be required to take responsibility delivering and leading work on specialised work programmes across a range of initiatives and services that support students across the region.

This permanent, full-time role can be based at either our Tauranga or Rotorua office, offering a fantastic lifestyle and work-life balance opportunity. Applicants who live in the surrounding Bay of Plenty areas and are willing to commute may also be interested in this role.

Salary range: $118,371-$131,065 per annum + 3% 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 Job Description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

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

Essential:

• experience in a complex organisation and building effective relationships
• a sound understanding of the machinery of Government and public sector delivery structures and systems
• a working understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its implications for the work of the Ministry
• an understanding of issues involved in the effective implementation and achievement of outcomes in the social sector
• a record of successful achievement in the identification, analysis and design of solutions for complex problems
• a proven record in translating information into cogent arguments and presenting high quality, timely and credible advice to high-level decision makers
• a track record of bringing people together and leading, coaching and mentoring others to achieve outcomes
• 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 full current driver licence as travel may be required
• the ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Desirable

• previous experience of effectively leading projects and change in large and complex organisations
• previous experience of planning, risk, performance management and/or quality assurance

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Mahau | Te Tai Whenua (Central) is a frontline group that collectively 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, communities, iwi and hapū to provide support, expertise, and resources to help children and young people reach their full potential.

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.

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 Susan La Grow at 07 387 1887 and/or email Susan.LaGrow@education.govt.nz

Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 17 August 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.