Lead Advisor, Learning Support National Contracted Services

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

There are three opportunities available for a permanent full-time role as Lead Advisor based in Wellington.

The Lead Advisor Learning Support National Contracted Services provides national system stewardship and operational leadership for the national coordination function for contracting services. It contributes to national oversight of service performance, equity of access, provider capacity, risk, and system sustainability.

The role operates at the interface between regional intake and assessment decision-making, whānau, and nationally contracted providers, ensuring that specialist capacity is allocated fairly, transparently, and consistently across regions. It supports whānau to navigate provider options and anticipated wait times, enabling informed choice and smoother transitions while ensuring provider capacity is utilised in line with contractual intent, operating standards, and placement cycles.


Key areas of work include:

• Providing specialist knowledge and advice across placement processes, mixed delivery models and contract-based service provision
• Informing consistent operational decision -making
• Understanding capacity constraints and contractual settings to inform fair and transparent placement coordination
• Applying professional judgment to interpret policy, contractual intent and operational guidance
• Navigating novel or complex placement scenarios

Salary range: $100,296 - $121,490 per annum + 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 Lead Advisor Learning Support National Contracted Services

About you | Mōhou ake

We are looking for an advisor with experience in a complex service delivery organisation. This role requires a high level of competence in the coordination of services across multiple providers and the ability to maintain productive external relationships with suppliers. You will need to be highly organised and apply accuracy and attention to detail in your work.

You will also offer:

• Specific demonstrated experience working within a mixed or contract-based service delivery model in a learning support or social services context
• Experience managing operational risk, competing priorities and complex stakeholder environments
• Proven capability using project management methodology and techniques
• Sound understanding of machinery of government, public sector delivery structures and systems
• A track record of bringing people together and leading, coaching and mentoring others to achieve shared outcomes.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The Learning Support Group enables specific targeted and tailored support to students who have specific needs impacting their ability to participate in education and progress in their learning, ensuring the necessary resources and expertise is in place to assist with achievement and everyday life.

The Group is accountable for providing functional leadership to all learning support services spanning national functions and regional delivery, delivered either in-house, by education providers or by other providers.

The Group has three key priorities:

•   Identify & Assess Need: Leading practice, design and guidance for assessment and needs

     identification. This includes monitoring and responding to need from a system level view.

•   Prioritise, Plan & Monitor: Leading the delivery approach for targeted and tailored support. This
     includes monitoring delivery and improving learning support services and associated capabilities.

•   Delivery Design: Leading practice, design and guidance for services delivered by Ministry staff,
     contracted providers and by sector partners, and adjusting delivery strategies as needed. 

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 Julia Hardacre, General Manager, Operations and Standards, Learning Support at Julia.hardacre@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight Wednesday 27 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.