Senior Advisor, Attendance Service Delivery Model

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

This is a permanent role based in Wellington. We are looking for two Senior Advisors.

As a Senior Advisor – Attendance Service Delivery Model, you’ll be a key contributor to the successful delivery and ongoing improvement of attendance services across Aotearoa. Working within a national team, you’ll support day-to-day operations, monitor performance, and help shape initiatives that improve outcomes for students | ākonga.

You’ll work closely with regional teams, service providers, and internal stakeholders to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery. You’ll also contribute to the development of operational frameworks, track service metrics, and support the design of practical resources that help our attendance service providers do their best work. Your insights and coordination will help drive continuous improvement and ensure our services are responsive, effective, and aligned with broader system goals.

Salary range: $85,225 - $103,071 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 Senior Advisor Attendance Service Delivery Model

About you | Mōhou ake

You’re a skilled advisor with experience in service delivery, operational support, or public sector environments. You know how to navigate complexity, build strong relationships, and contribute to initiatives that make a real difference. You’re confident working with data, writing reports, and supporting the development of tools and guidance that improve practice.

You bring a collaborative mindset, strong organisational skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. You’re comfortable juggling multiple priorities and working across teams to achieve shared outcomes.

You will also offer:

• Experience in a complex organisation
• Experience in building relationships and partnerships to achieve shared outcomes.
• Experience in service delivery or operational support and ability to quickly understand and be able to provide advice on all aspects of service delivery.
• Understanding of OIA and Privacy Act obligations, with experience handling information requests.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

You will be joining a small, newly established team who have a can-do attitude and passion for improving attendance outcomes. The team are a mixture of Wellington and remote workers and there is the opportunity for flexible working.

These roles are available to be based at any Ministry of Education office across New Zealand, with the added flexibility of a hybrid working arrangement. This means you can enjoy a mix of working from home/remote and in-office collaboration, depending on your preferences and team needs. The location of Ministry of Education offices can be found here Regional offices - Ministry of Education.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

New Zealand has a school attendance problem, and we know that high levels of school absence have a direct correlation to poorer life outcomes for our children. In response, the Government has set a goal of 80% of students being present for more than 90% of the term, by 2030. To achieve this goal, an Attendance Action Plan is now being rolled out. As part of the Plan, new Attendance Service Provider contracts have been awarded from 1 January 2026.

Our Attendance Service Delivery Model team has a key role to play in working with these new providers. The team will shape a national approach that delivers effective, accountable, and high-performing attendance services across Aotearoa - setting clear expectations and holding providers to account for results. This team is part of the Ministry’s wider System Delivery Group and works closely with our regional teams and other functions responsible for improving attendance. 

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 Tracy Mellor, Director, Attendance Services Review tracy.mellor@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight Sunday 30 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.