Senior Education Advisor, Early Learning

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

• Fixed term, full-time (through to September 2026)
• Tauranga, Bay of Plenty

There is a lot going on in the education system to improve attendance and achievement through a knowledge-rich curriculum grounded in the science of learning. We are also working to strengthen other areas, such as learning support interventions and the development of the education workforce. Our role is to work with the education sector to implement these and other priorities – including through proactive, consistent supports and services from our regional teams.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced early childhood professional to join our team in the Bay of Plenty-Waiariki region.

The Senior Education Advisor, Early Learning role is part of our Education Advisory service that supports the education sector to implement education priorities. In relation to Early Learning, we do this through:

• communicating government priorities, strategies and statutory requirements and obligations;
• ensuring these are well understood and delivered on by providers; and
• identifying, brokering, and providing implementation support.

This is a fixed term, full-time role up to the end of September 2026 and will be based at our Tauranga Office, offering a fantastic lifestyle and work-life balance opportunity. (See the following link for more information on Tauranga as a destination: https://www.bayofplentynz.com/)

Applicants who live in the surrounding 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 Job Description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

We are looking for someone who has specialist knowledge, skills and expertise in early learning and the regulatory framework that governs early learning. You will offer:

• a qualification in early childhood education or a relevant discipline
• knowledge and experience working with Te Whāriki
• experience in building strong working relationships, and influencing change to achieve outcomes
• strong engagement and communication skills, including the ability to analyse complex issues and provide high quality, succinct and timely advice, both written and verbal
• the confidence to work collaboratively across a diverse range of services and contexts
• an ability to use data and insights to identify trends, risks and opportunities
• experience in assessing information to make objective judgments against criteria and recommending courses of action
• the ability to work as part of an integrated team delivering services to the education sector, including working co-operatively with others to solve problems and complete tasks
• the ability to understand and apply te reo Māori ona tikanga, the principles of Te Tirirti o Waitangi and tangata whenuatanga
• an understanding of the relevance of identity, language and culture for Māori, Pacific people and students who require additional learning support
• strong networks and experience working with Māori medium and Pacific early learning services
• a full current driver licence as travel within the region 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

Te Mahau | Te Tai Whenua (Central) provides leadership and integrated services to the education sector and others. This includes services such as learning support, education advice and regulation functions for schools, kura and early learning services. We also share practice with other Te Mahau and Ministry groups to support insights driven guidance, design and policy.

We work closely with the early learning and schooling sectors, providers, and communities 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.

If you need any further information, please contact Pennie Muldoon at 07 349 7464 and/or email Pennie.Muldoon@education.govt.nz.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 19 October 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.