Principal Advisor, Practice and Delivery Centre

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 oppotunity until 30 April 2026 

Are you passionate about driving meaningful change in education? Do you thrive in collaborative environments where innovation, equity, and excellence are at the heart of everything you do?

We are looking for a dynamic Principal Advisor to join our team in Te Poutāhū (Curriculum Centre), where you’ll play a pivotal role in designing and delivering high-impact resources and service that supports educators and learners across Aotearoa New Zealand.

In this role you will:

• Support a high-performing, collaborative, and innovative team culture within the Practice and Delivery Centre
• Lead the development and implementation of integrated practice frameworks and plans to support curriculum and assessment delivery.
• Work across Te Mahau to strengthen practice and delivery of curriculum and aromatawai changes, this included supporting the Curriculum Advisory Service.
• Provide expert guidance and develop high-quality resources that support equitable and excellent outcomes for all learners.
• Use data and insights to inform evidence-based decisions and continuous improvement and innovation.
• Build capability through coaching, mentoring, and supporting others to grow.
• Maintain effective feedback loops with frontline teams to inform implementation and future design.

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

We're seeking a strategic thinker who thrives on collaboration and is ready to help shape the future of teaching and learning in Aotearoa. In this fast-paced, agile environment, you'll lead the design and implementation of practice and delivery, build trusted relationships across the Ministry and sector, and champion frameworks that drive equitable, high-quality outcomes for all learners. If you're ready to influence, inspire, and deliver impact—this is your opportunity to make a real difference.

To be successful in this role you will offer:

• Proven leadership in advisory roles within complex environments.
• Strong relationship-building skills with colleagues, stakeholders, iwi, and Ministers. 
• Deep understanding of educational change, curriculum, assessment and Aramatawai, and experience in the education sector. 
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

In Te Poutāhū, you’ll be part of a passionate team working to transform education in Aotearoa. You’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact, supporting educators, empowering learners, and shaping the future of our curriculum and services.

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 Cat Lunjevich, Manager Practice and Delivery Centre at Lunjevich@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Monday, 6 October 2025

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.