Principal Advisor Service Delivery

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 opportunity
• National role

As Principal Advisor, you’ll work closely with the Change Implementation Manager to provide high-quality analysis, strategic advice, and policy insight. You’ll be part of a collaborative, high-performing team that values integrity, innovation, and impact.

This role also forms part of the Special Projects leadership team, providing cross-functional leadership and supporting delivery across multiple workstreams including:

• Ka Ora, Ka Ako | Healthy School Lunches
• Ikura | Manaakitia te whare tangata Period Products
• ECE Food Programme

What you’ll be doing:

• Programme Advisory – Support end to end programme management, approvals and information management.
• Strategic Influence – Provide high-level advice that shapes the direction of major wellbeing programmes.
• Governance Reporting – Lead the development of clear, insightful reporting for senior leaders and governance forums.
• Change Leadership – Champion change initiatives, ensuring they are well-designed, people-centred, and effectively implemented.
• Programme Delivery – Contribute to the design and execution of large-scale national programmes that support ākonga and their whānau.
• Cross-functional Leadership – Work as part of the Special Projects leadership team, supporting delivery across multiple workstreams and stakeholders.

Salary range: $118,371 - $143,760 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

To be successful in the role you will be an excellent collaborator who builds and maintains meaningful relationships. You will be experienced in working with senior leaders, governance, servicing ministerial requests, and providing thought leadership to service delivery teams with sound advice and issue resolution.

You will be responsible for providing advice, support and ministerial servicing, championing continuous improvement and assurance, managing internal and external relationships, and providing sound analysis and review.

You will be comfortable delivering at pace and balancing multiple priorities simultaneously.

You will also offer:

• Experience in a complex organisation and a sound understanding of the machinery of government, public sector delivery structures and systems.
• Experience in building relationships and partnerships to achieve shared outcomes.
• Proven experience in a principal advisory or leadership role within the public sector.
• Demonstrated experience working on large-scale national programmes.
• Expertise in governance-level reporting, strategic planning, and change management.
• A relevant qualification or demonstrated experience in change management and/or project management methodologies (e.g. Prosci, APMG, PRINCE2, Agile).
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to lead across functions and priorities.
• Strong writing and presentation skills backed by exceptional advice and support.
• Experience and applied understanding of process and systems improvement methodologies.
• Ability to understand policy intent and identify implication for implementation and able to build requisite knowledge for different policy issues quickly.
• Ability to contribute to the design and implementation of Ministry strategic and operational procedures.
• Experience of working in flexible ways to manage moving priorities and focus and deliver results in a busy demanding environment.
• Clear communicator who is confidant to test ideas and concepts with others, can problem solve and work collaboratively with others to solve those problems.
• Understanding of best practice service delivery in the public sector.
• Demonstrated knowledge of te ao Māori and a willingness to continue your development and understanding of tikanga and te reo Māori.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake 

Te Mahau | Te Pae Aronui | Operations & Integration - Te Pae Aronui connects people, knowledge, services, and regulatory processes to help shape an inclusive education system. Te Pae Aronui was established within Te Mahau to help drive a focus on equity throughout Te Tāhuhu by connecting across the Ministry and providing expert support and services into the regions.

Our group provides nationally consistent service design, practice guidance and systems to support the integrated teams led by Directors of Education providing flexible and responsive services. We deliver national resourcing functions, including inclusive learning support.

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 Hannah Iwikau, Change Implementation Manager– Hannah.Iwikau@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Wednesday, 27 August 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.