Programme Lead - Qualifications

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 opportunity until December 2026

As the Programme Lead Qualifications and will be instrumental in making key decisions around our work programmes, to help create and execute initiatives for the qualifications and associated assessment guidance and related subjects.

Working collaboratively, and in a joined-up manner with the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO), Programme Director and Programme Leads, you deliver on our business plan while looking for ways to optimise our resources and provide recommendations for continuous improvements.

You will have overall responsibility for, design, delivery and quality of the Qualifications development aligned to the new curriculum subjects across our work programme structure ensuring we achieve our objections in relation to improving consistent service delivery and compliance with our governance processes.

The role requires the following focus and capabilities:

• Conceptual thinker who can translate, guide and develop practice frameworks and standards.
• Plan and manage operational budgets to support strong financial management and deliver maximum value from resources and investments.  
• Confidence to mentor, coach and build capability across project teams with a willingness to share knowledge and expertise.
• Critical thinking with the ability to draw on various sources to help our senior leadership make informed decisions.
• Ability to investigate and identify business problems to inform the design and continuous improvement tools and to deliver solutions that are intuitive and mitigate risk.
• Depth of experience across a range of programmes including policy setting, and business change.  
• Collaboratively engage with the sector on the successful implementation of these changes. Proven ability to oversee and integrate complex initiatives across multiple teams, embedding best-practice frameworks, governance and high-impact reporting to support transparent decision-making

Salary range: $175,616 - $263,424 per annum total remuneration. 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 Programme Lead - Qualifications

 About you | Mōhou ake

You will be comfortable working across multiple disciplines delivering change in a complex and sometimes ambiguous environment. Key to your success will be your ability to assess current state compared to future state and analyse the change impact and create an engagement approach in response to the changing needs

The following attributes are desirable:

• The ability to make the connections between various aspects of the Group in relation to wider Ministry context.
• Demonstrated ability to work at pace and to deliver smart solutions to complex problems while providing credible and pragmatic advice.
• Confidence in dealing with ministerial briefings and other relevant public sector documents and processes.
• High attention to detail and outstanding writing skills, you’ll have a natural ability to quickly adapt information into concise, accurate and easy to understand form.
• Experience in leading with others to navigate complexity and problem solve.
• A proven track record in service delivery, being results focused and maintain focus and make positive connections.
• Outstanding presentation and communication skills, both written and oral.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

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.

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 Heena Ravji, Senior Advisor at heena.ravji@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight –  Sunday 8 February 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.