Principal Advisor, Hautū

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

• Full Time, secondment or fixed-term opportunity until 30 June 2026
• Wellington-based

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for education and system-wide impact? Do you thrive in complex environments where collaboration, innovation, and integration are key to success?

We’re looking for a Principal Adviser to join our Business Operations team - a group at the heart of Te Poutāhū (Curriculum Centre), driving alignment and strategic delivery across the education sector.

 As Principal Advisor, Hautū, you will:

• Lead collaborative working relationships within Te Poutāhū, across the Ministry and with key Internal and external stakeholders  
• Lead the translation of policy advice into strategic operational policy and implementation 
• Provide leadership to help others track, anticipate and respond to emerging issues that pose potential risk 
• Prepare high quality expert advice on strategic risks, issues and opportunities at the senior official level – primarily Hautū, GM, and the collective leadership team.

Salary range: $119,171 - $144,560 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're a proactive and detail-oriented professional who thrives in fast-paced environments. You bring strong coordination skills, a collaborative mindset, and a passion for delivering high-quality work that supports strategic outcomes. You’re confident navigating complex information and building relationships across teams to get things done.

You will also offer:

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. 
• Expertise in relationship building and management, including collaborative skills across all levels of Te Poutāhū and the wider ministry.
• Ability to deliver at pace, under pressure, or with limited information.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

This is your opportunity to influence the future of education in Aotearoa. You’ll be part of a passionate team working at the centre of Te Poutāhū to support teaching and learning nationwide.

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. 

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 Ronnie Harvey, Senior Advisor at Veronica.Harvey@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Monday, 26 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.