Lead 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

• Fixed term or Secondment till June 2026

As a Lead Advisor – Pāngarau, you will provide high-quality, specialist advice and guidance on curriculum and learning design with a specific focus on Pāngarau and Te Marautanga o Aotearoa (TMoA).

This is a unique opportunity to support the development of frameworks, resources, and tools to improve outcomes for ākonga Māori and accelerate learning. You will influence and support the design and delivery of new curriculum supports and early learning checks, in te reo Māori and te Ao Māori contexts.

Acting as a voice you will advocate and champion the needs of ākonga Māori ensuring there is alignment of appropriate channels to communicate and support our key strategic deliverables. Instrumental to this role will be how you partner and collaborate with senior leaders, curriculum developers, and regional teams, and provide credible, actionable advice on a range of initiatives establishing best practice in a fast-evolving landscape.

• Deep expertise in Pāngarau, including pedagogy and curriculum design
• Knowledge of Te Marautanga o Aotearoa, kaupapa Māori and education equity
• Proven ability to lead or contribute to large-scale curriculum programmes
• Experience mentoring others and lifting capability across teams
• Sound judgement, pragmatic thinking and effective communication skills
• Understanding of public sector delivery and policy impact on schools
• Recognised commitment to te Ao Māori and the promotion of tikanga and te reo Māori.

Salary range: $99,496 - $120,690 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 the Job Description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

You will be a strategic thinker with deep content knowledge and practical experience in Pāngarau and education delivery. Your understanding of learning acceleration, aromatawai, and kaupapa Māori approaches will enable you to help shape meaningful change.

• Proven ability to engage and manage stakeholder relationships.
• Conceptual thinker who can translate our aspirations into design and delivery.
• Confidence to mentor, coach and build capability around te Ao Maori.
• Knowledge and experience of Māori approaches within an Education context.
• Proven experience in dealing with protocol requirements.
• Ability to use clear and professional written and verbal communication.

Desirable attributes:

• Experience in curriculum module/resource design and implementation
• Ability to influence and support diverse internal and external stakeholders
• High resilience and adaptability within a complex environment
• Demonstrated commitment to Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct

You will be strongly supported by an inclusive, innovative, and values-based team environment that fosters continuous learning and collaboration.

About our ministry, 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.

We support the people who are closest to, and directly serve, ākonga and whānau. We do this through Te Mahau where we connect with the sector, working collaboratively to identify priorities and design local solutions.

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 at heena.ravji@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – 14 July 2025

We encourage early applications as we will be reviewing applications as they are received.

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.