Principal Advisor

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 supports the Manager, School Operations by providing leadership and expertise across strategic priorities, work programmes, and complex system issues. This role contributes to our regulatory functions and helps achieve outcomes aligned with the Ministry’s purpose and strategic direction.

You will lead the delivery of expert advice and guidance across a range of programmes and regulatory services that support our front-line teams. This includes maintaining a national overview of activities and driving continuous improvement through reviews and evaluations to ensure high-quality service delivery.

Salary range: $119,171 - $144,560 per annum + 3% kiwi saver. 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 Principal Advisor.

About you | Mōhou ake

To succeed in this role, you will need to work closely with the Manager, applying a critical lens to the team’s work programmes. You will demonstrate strong leadership in driving key improvements and ensuring the successful delivery of programme outcomes.

You will also offer:

• Proven leadership experience.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in management, leadership, marketing, or a related field — or equivalent practical experience.
• Demonstrated experience in building effective relationships with senior stakeholders and partners to achieve shared outcomes.
• Experience applying qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to support evidence-based decision-making and intervention logic.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to present work confidently to various governance boards.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Network and Regulatory is responsible for the regulatory systems of early learning and schooling, administers school network, leads interventions into schools where there are breaches, and nationally consistent advice to the front line, we are best placed to shape shifts in practice.

Our work:

• Sets the expectations within the Ministry and sectors that enable change, build capability and support effective regulation.
• Provides more effective regulation through a graduated set of interventions.
• Supports regulatory activities across schools and early learning sectors and respond to sensitive claims of abuse.
• Our regulatory levers support several priorities – we have the tools to influence, support and direct education sectors to lift their performance, particularly focusing on curriculum, attendance, child protection and implementing charter schools.

Our Schools Operations team acts as the key link between the national office, the Takiwā, and the wider education sector. We provide support, advice, and guidance to help schools meet their regulatory obligations. As a team, we work closely together—supporting one another in our day-to-day work and in our professional growth. When challenges arise, we collaborate to meet deadlines and navigate difficulties together. 

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 David Olivier, Manager Schools Operations, Te Pae Aronui at david.olivier@education.govt.nz.

Applications close midnight Sunday 2 November 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.