Lead Advisor, Curriculum Design

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

Fixed term/ Secondment to 20 February 2026

This is a Wellington based role where the successful candidate will be required in the Wellington Office at least 3 days per week, more as required.

As the Lead Advisor, Curriculum Design you will provide pivotal expertise in national curriculum design supporting specific work programmes in relations to the design of frameworks, models and tools to improve outcomes for our ākonga.

Promoting a collaborative approach, you will provide credible advice, insights and guidance on a range of initiatives, to help translate these into practice and influence across a fast moving and changing landscape.

The role requires the following focus and capabilities:

• Conceptual thinker who can translate, guide and develop practice frameworks and standards.
• Confidence to mentor, coach and build capability across the team.
• High attention to detail and outstanding writing skills, you’ll have a natural ability to quickly adapt information into concise, accurate and easy to understand form.
• A pragmatic and solutions focused approach to providing sound credible advice.
• Comprehensive knowledge of The New Zealand Curriculum, Te Marautanga o Aotearoa and Te Whāriki challenges, risk and impacts.
• Critical thinking with the ability to draw on various sources to help our and senior leadership make informed decisions.
• An ability to work flexibly across the work area and an ever-changing environment.
• Sound understanding of the machinery of government and public sector delivery.

Salary range: $99,496 - $120,690 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

You will be a strategic thinker - able to deliver operationally with strong decision-making skills and the motivation to handle multiple deliverables at one time. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about improvements in our curriculum practice to deliver real and sustainable outcomes for all ākonga.

The following attributes are desirable:

• A strong level of Industry knowledge which will allow for continuous improvement across the programmes of work.
• Experience in leading with others to navigate complexity and problem solve.
• An ability to convey abstract and/or complex ideas in clear, practical, and concrete terms, tailored for the audience.
• An understanding of the role of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the education sector. 
• A proven track record in connecting service delivery, consultation, planning to make positive connections.
• Proven experience in being results focused, able to deliver under pressure and maintain focus on the big picture.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

 You will be strongly supported in an environment that values continuous improvement and fosters a culture of encouraging “big picture” thinking to help our people connect and strive towards excellence.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The purpose of Te Poutāhū is to lead the national curricula for Aotearoa New Zealand and associated systems and processes of assessment and aromatawai.

We design, develop and provide curriculum services for teachers, kaiako, leaders, ākonga, their whānau and communities that reflect their identities, languages and cultures. We bring together curriculum, teaching expertise and evidence for the development, support and review of inclusive curricula, assessment and NCEA. Our strengths are across te reo Māori, mātauranga Māori, disability, inclusive learning support and culturally relevant content so that Te Mahau supports learning that is inclusive for all ākonga.

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 Heena Ravji, Senior Advisor at heena.ravji@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Wednesday, 21 May 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.