Practice Lead

 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

The Practice Lead is responsible for delivering key components of the Strategy and Performance Group’s work programme and supporting related initiatives, such as investment planning and financial sustainability.

This 12-month secondment involves developing and preparing core deliverables, including Grants and Funds, Business Planning, and contributing to the Performance Framework’s associated workstreams.

Salary range: $140,146 - $170,196 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 bring specialist knowledge to the team, using plain language and great skills to influence and progress work at an enterprise level for a whole of organisation view.

You will be part of creating a co-ordinated approach to strategic planning and reporting for more efficient use of our limited resources. The role requires working across the wider Ministry, with Ministers’ Offices and with external agencies to support decision making, planning and reporting processes. You will also offer:

• Detailed knowledge of Machinery of Government including planning and reporting requirements, strategic finance and investment.
• Experience in the Vote Education and Vote Tertiary Education Budget cycle,
• A track record of delivering high stakes work on time and in a complex change context
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The Strategy and Performance group is responsible for bringing together end-to-end Ministry strategy, planning and performance functions with enterprise-wide governance arrangements. Strategy and Performance is also responsible for setting up planning and delivery frameworks, guidelines, and policies to enable the business groups, who are responsible for planning and delivering their operations and services. 

The Strategy and Performance division provides specialist services across all Ministry groups, to facilitate the internal and external accountability activities that are necessary for public sector agencies. Including: 

• performance reporting 
• enterprise governance 
• enterprise portfolio investment expertise 
• risk management 

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 would like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We are keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

For further information, please contact Katherine Browne, Acting General Manager, Strategy and Performance: katherine.brownw@education.govt.nz  

Applications close Midnight – Tuesday 20 January 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.