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 students in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

An exciting opportunity to apply your interest and experience in domestic and international relationships in a fast paced, high profile environment.

• Support New Zealand’s priorities and engagement as a Member State of UNESCO
• Leverage New Zealand’s domestic education priorities for global outreach
• Support purposeful and strategic domestic and international relationships
• Provide critical thinking and analysis in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment

This is an opportunity to work in a passionate and experienced International team and connect with policy and programme delivery colleagues across the Ministry.  The successful candidate will support the Secretary General of the National Commission for UNESCO and the wider team, undertaking a range of functions that support New Zealand’s priorities.  They will develop and maintain connections with domestic partners and  international counterparts to implement the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO strategic plan, and maximise the benefits of international engagement and collaboration for the whole of the New Zealand education system.

Salary range: $74,015 - $89,547 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

People interested in this role need to demonstrate:

• Excellent influencing, relationship management and communication skills
• Energy, drive and the ability to see opportunities and act on them
• Be a connector - thrive on bringing people together and to improve quality and deliver results
• Experience directly supporting senior officials and a sound understanding of the machinery of Government
• An interest in youth engagement
• Interest and experience working in international contexts
• Knowledge of UNESCO and in particular the work of the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO is an advantage
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

The successful candidate will need to be able to clearly demonstrate an ability to provide support to others and lead workstreams (including youth engagement), a proactive approach to managing their work and experience and ability to work collaboratively with a diverse range of partners, both domestic and international. Please note, there is minimal opportunity for international travel in this role, so if that is a motivating factor for the applicant then expectations should not be high.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The International Cooperation and Engagemet team sits within Te Pou Kaupapahere (Policy Group). Te Pou Kaupapahere works alongside our colleagues in other parts of the Ministry to provide Ministers with policy options to resource and shape the education system. This means working with our colleagues to provide whole-of-system, end-to-end advice that covers early learning, schooling, and tertiary including Māori medium, te reo Māori, Pacific and learning support. 

We hold relationships with all education Ministers and provide integrated advice to support their international engagements, both on and off shore.

We hold the bilateral and multilateral stewardship function across the Ministry. This includes hosting the Secretariat of the New Zeland National Commission for UNESCO and developing and implementing its programme of work in close consultation with the Commissioners and partner agencies.

Our team provides support to all parts of the Ministry in terms of our international engagement obligations and opportunities.

We also work closely with other central education agencies, other parts of the government and a range of domestic partners to support New Zealand’s international relationships and to leverage these for the benefit of New Zealand learners. 

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 Daniel Tasker, Senior Manager at daniel.tasker@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Tuesday 12 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.