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

• Permanent, full-time Principal Advisor position
• The successful candidate needs to be based in Wellington for the role.

As Principal Advisor, Monitoring and Appointments, you will lead advice that helps Ministers understand agency performance, respond to emerging risks and make informed governance decisions. This is an opportunity to apply your expertise across a varied portfolio, working at the intersection of policy, organisational performance and public accountability.

The Ministry is strengthening and expanding its monitoring capability. You will help shape that work, bringing analytical depth, constructive challenge and practical advice to issues that can be sensitive, urgent and consequential.

Your work will span three key areas:

• Monitoring: look beyond reported results to understand performance, test assumptions and identify risks and interdependencies. Lead advice on accountability and strategy documents and work constructively with agencies on priority issues.
• Appointments and governance: work with board chairs, stakeholders and Ministers’ offices on board capability, appointment priorities and fees. Support robust advice through to Cabinet consideration.
• Specialist advice: help policy teams navigate the Crown Entities Act 2004, Ministerial levers, entity arrangements and Cabinet processes.

You will build trusted relationships at senior levels, ask difficult questions respectfully and turn complex evidence into clear advice. Alongside leading demanding pieces of work, you will mentor colleagues and strengthen the team’s analytical practice.

This role offers a broad system perspective and the opportunity to bring your monitoring, governance or appointments expertise into a changing education portfolio.

In particular, we are looking to appoint one Principal advisor to focus on management of the Board appointments portfolio. This will include advising on a range of statutory entities, running the process and managing relationships with relevant Board Chairs and entities on BAU appointment process.

We are also looking for a Principal Advisor to lead on the monitoring of the New Zeland School property entity. This person will ideally have a strong background in commercial or investment monitoring, asset management and infrastructure projects.

Salary range: $119,171 - $144,560 per annum + 3% KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed based on their skills and experience. Applicants are welcome to indicate their salary expectations as part of the recruitment process.

For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

To be successful in this role, you must be able to analyse and interpret data to draw meaningful insights and produce high quality advice on entity performance and appointments.

You will also need the ability to lead constructive conversations with a range of stakeholders and be confident to challenge and test perspectives.

You will also have the ability to:

• problem-solve complex issues and identify risks,
• have a strong understanding of machinery of government and ability to interpret legislation,
• analyse and interpret data to draw meaningful insights and produce high quality advice on entity performance,
• have a proven ability to work under pressure and respond to urgent requests,
• mentor staff,lead and prioritise tasks across the team
• apply analytical frameworks and knowledge gained during a relevant tertiary qualification or at least 5-years work experience in a relevant role
• Preferably applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a government security clearance

• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The Systems, Connections and Early Learning Policy Group provides advice and stewardship across the education system, building strong connections and relationships domestically and internationally, with a particular strength in early learning and system policy.

The Monitoring and Appointments function is responsible for supporting the Ministry's stewardship responsibilities across the education sector through Crown entity monitoring, board appointments, governance support and strategic performance oversight. The function works closely with Ministers, Crown entities, statutory bodies and education agencies to strengthen governance, improve organisational performance and support achievement of Government priorities.

The Group also includes Early Childhood Education policy teams, the System Policy team, and the International Cooperation and Engagement team. Together, we lead work that strengthens education at a system level to ensure it is inclusive, responsive and delivers equitable outcomes for learners across Aotearoa.

Te Pou Kaupapahere is responsible for whole-of-system policy integration across early learning, schooling and tertiary education. We provide integrated policy advice to Ministers and work closely with government agencies to deliver joined-up solutions to complex challenges.

We are proud of our collaborative culture, our focus on supporting one another, and our commitment to developing our people.

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 Jennifer Heersping, Director at Jennifer.Heersping@education.govt.nz 

Applications close Midnight – Sunday, 15 November 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.