Chief Advisor, Strategic Programmes

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

This position is a newly established 12-month fixed term or secondment opportunity within Te Mahau Business Management for a Chief Advisor Strategic Programmes.

The role will have responsibility for the coordination of critical and high priority work programmes. You will be based in National Office and work across the business to drive the delivery of strategic results.  The work programmes will range across the country and may involve some travel nationally.

The Chief Advisor, Strategic Programmes will work with Ministry staff, school communities and other agencies, to gain an understanding of the current educational environment and the aspirations of community schools of special character where concerns have been raised about the quality of the curriculum, the teaching capability and/or the wellbeing of the students within the community.

To deliver successfully in the role, you will:

• develop a strategic plan to assess and address the issues that have been raised, up to and including at ministerial level
• work with all stakeholders across government agencies to assess and support the provision of quality education to all ākonga in the community school environment
• contribute thought leadership and expertise to strategies, work programmes and complex system issues
• draw on experience working with sector partners in an operational environment to review, and recommend improvements
• provide advice that is practical and easy to understand and operationalise.   

For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here Chief Advisor Strategic Programmes

About you | Mōhou ake

You’ll be responsible for developing, articulating and leading the provision of advice and guidance on operational policy related to specific issues and priorities raised.

As a professional within this field, you will be competent at leading and contributing to response groups, working groups and meetings as required to effectively progress solutions to complex issues.

You will also:

• Assess and mitigate risk quickly and utilise the correct communication channels and involve appropriate parties
• Have the ability to interpret data and insights to make meaningful decisions
• Demonstrate confidence and effectiveness in a variety of formal presentation settings: one-on-one, small and large groups, with peers and senior/executive leadership
• Build capability in others through coaching, quality assurance, and proactively sharing knowledge and expertise.  
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct
  
  

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The Education Services Group provides well-designed, integrated education services that support the impactful and effective operation of education settings to support student achievement and participation. The services help to remove barriers to participation and learning and provide regulatory advice, support and oversight to early learning providers, schools and kura.

The Group has three key priorities for Education Services:

• Practice and Guidance: Managing practice and guidance to improve national coordination and consistency, whilst enabling regional autonomy for education service delivery.
• Integration and Delivery: Providing education support directly to education settings via integrated regional and national services. This includes intervening when necessary to ensure a high standard of operation to support student outcomes and owning key stakeholder relationships to support schooling improvement and stronger outcomes for learners.
• Monitoring and Improvement: Monitoring and advising on improvements to the effectiveness, efficiency and equity of services for achievement and progression, and attendance and participation. This includes monitoring education provider performance against regulations and intervening as required. 

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 Hester Goodwin, General Manager Business Management  Hester.Goodwin@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight Thursday 14 May 2026.

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.