Principal Advisor, Implementation

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 Principal Advisor, Implementation provides strategic oversight and thought leadership across a team delivering small‑to‑medium projects within Te Pou Ohumahi Mātauranga | Education Workforce (TPOM). You will lead best‑practice implementation, evaluation and continuous improvement, ensuring decisions are informed by robust evidence and aligned with TPOM’s strategic direction and workforce priorities.

You will play a key role in shaping the design, development and delivery of change initiatives, advising on risks and opportunities, supporting governance forums, and synthesising insights into clear recommendations. This role provides both strategic influence and hands‑on leadership across complex, system‑wide work.

Salary range: $119,171.00  $144,560.00 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 someone who brings clarity, strategic thinking and high-quality advice to complex issues. You can see the big picture while supporting practical delivery, and you enjoy bringing people together around shared goals.

To be successful, you will bring:

• Experience working in a complex organisation and navigating public sector systems
• Strong project/programme management experience, including benefits realisation and evaluation
• Proven ability to write high-quality strategic advice, governance papers and decision-support documents
• Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to work across diverse teams and perspectives
• Ability to synthesise data and insights into meaningful recommendations
• Confidence operating in political and ambiguous environments
• A collaborative working style and ability to coach, mentor and influence others
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, written and verbal 
• You bring curiosity, resilience and a commitment to continuous improvement — and you’re motivated by work that strengthens the education workforce at scale.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Our group leads the sector workforce employment relations, the relationship with Education Payroll Limited and we hold the responsibility for bargaining. We support the organisation so that the key role of the education sector workforce is integrated into their work programmes and services.

We advance the education workforce strategy, including a focus on specialist services, employment relations, pay equity, education payroll, supply and scholarship functions. Our group ensures the system has the right people in the right places at the right time for early learning, kōhanga reo, schools and kura. We have links to tertiary education organisations, in particular wānanga, iwi and Māori, peak bodies and others, in the co-design of solutions to workforce challenges, such as provision of teachers with te reo and mātauranga Māori knowledge and Pacific languages.

Within TPOM, the Workforce Experience and Delivery team operates as a multidisciplinary group providing the workforce with the services and support needed to thrive. We work collaboratively to deliver solutions that improve workforce experience and enable a strong focus on student success.

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 Manager, Delivery, Jordan Jones-Williams, Jordan.jones-williams@education.govt.nz 

Applications close: Midnight, Wednesday 1st April 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.