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 ākonga in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

• Permanent, full-time
• Rotorua, Bay of Plenty

The Senior Adviser Network works collaboratively with key stakeholders to provide timely, high-quality advice and support for changes to the school network including new initiatives, enrolment scheme management and implementation of changes. The role supports regional office operational planning for education provision.

This requires working with Territorial Local Authorities (TLAs), schools and kura, ECE, school boards, and other groups including government agencies, and internal Ministry of Education staff, in order to identify changing needs within the schooling network so that the Ministry is able to respond effectively.

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

This permanent, full-time role is based at our Rotorua office, offering a fantastic lifestyle and work-life balance opportunity working in one of New Zealand’s great out-door adventure locations. (See the following link for more information on Rotorua as a destination: https://www.rotoruanz.com/)

Applicants who live in the surrounding South Waikato or wider Bay of Plenty areas and are willing to commute may also be interested in this role.

Salary range: $85,225-$103,071 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 the Job Description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

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

• experience in a complex organisation
• experience in building relationships and partnerships to achieve shared outcomes
• knowledge and understanding of the New Zealand education system and factors impacting student achievement
• the ability to build a good understanding of the wider regional environment and trends, and identify potential opportunities risks and issues before they arise
• a working understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its implications on network provision within the education sector
• proven experience in interpreting data and providing insights to influence and guide decision-making
• project management and planning skills and an understanding of project management methodology
• excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• working knowledge of tikanga Māori and the ability to build relationships with iwi, hapū and whānau
• a full current driver licence as travel will be required
• 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 region. This includes learning support, education advice and regulation functions for schools, kura, kōhanga and early learning services, and advice and support with curriculum.

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.

From within Te Mahau, 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 (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 Pennie Muldoon at 07 349 7464 and/or email Pennie.Muldoon@education.govt.nz.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 30 November 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.