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

• Permanent, fulltime
• Wellington-based

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for education and system-wide impact? Do you thrive in complex environments where collaboration, innovation, and integration are key to success?

We’re looking for a Principal Adviser to join our Planning, Outcomes and Impacts team within Curriculum Integration Services (CIS) – a group at the heart of Te Poutāhū (Curriculum Centre), driving alignment and strategic delivery across the education sector.

 As Principal Adviser, you’ll provide thought leadership and shape the frameworks, systems and processes that ensure Te Poutāhū’s curriculum products and services are effective, integrated, and responsive to the needs of teachers, kaiako, tumuaki, ākonga and whānau.

You will:

• Lead the design and implementation of integrated strategies and work plans.
• Translate curriculum and assessment data into meaningful insights.
• Build and enhance systems, frameworks and feedback loops to monitor effectiveness.
• Provide strategic advice and insights to improve curriculum products and services.
• Foster innovation and best practice across Te Poutāhū and the wider Ministry.

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

You’re a strategic thinker who thrives in complexity and is passionate about making a real difference in education. In this Principal Adviser role, you’ll bring your leadership, systems thinking and ability to connect the dots across programmes to help shape curriculum delivery that truly works for ākonga, whānau, and the sector. You’ll be confident navigating change, influencing outcomes, and driving continuous improvement across Te Poutāhū.

You will also offer:

• The ability to lead integrated planning and strategy that drives meaningful change>
• Expertise in developing frameworks, systems and insights that improve curriculum delivery>
• A collaborative mindset and strong relationships that enable innovation and alignment across teams>
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

This is your opportunity to influence the future of education in Aotearoa. You’ll be part of a passionate team working at the intersection of curriculum, assessment and sector delivery – helping shape the tools and resources that support teaching and learning nationwide.

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 Ronnie Harvey, Senior Advisor at Veronica.Harvey@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Sunday, 7 December 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.