Senior Advisor, Business Support

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

As the Senior Advisor Ministerials, you will provide critical support and advice in relation to all queries to our Business Support team in Te Poutāhū Curriculum Centre. Working within complex issues the role will require you to be customer facing, dealing proactively with responses and requests under the Official Information Act, media requests and the coordination and drafting of responses and correspondence to support the Deputy Secretary of Te Poutāhū.

The ideal candidates will be passionate about making a difference, have strong attention to detail, be flexible to adapt to changing work volumes and able to communicate effectively and clearly with our customers and stakeholders to understand what they need.

Key requirements of the role include:

• A strong working knowledge of policy, legislation and the machinery of government.
• An aptitude for analysing information and being able to quickly dissimilate it to provide a clear and transparent responses.
• Anticipate and prepare written briefing material and ministerial responses.
• Provide recommendations, analysis and improvements to achieve outcomes and deliver value
• A pragmatic and solutions focused approach in providing sound advice to senior leadership to help them make informed decisions.
• Be a seasoned professional in dealing with OIA/Ministerial briefings and other relevant public sector documents.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, together with strong assessment and sound decision-making skills
• The ability to make the connections between various aspects of our group and the implications on our work.
• Interest in monitoring, evaluating and analysis of information.

Salary range: $84,425 - $102,271 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. 

About you | Mōhou ake

This is a fantastic opportunity for you to prove your ability as a Senior Advisor offering support that is second to none and excelling in a position that is crucial to the working of the team. You must have the ability to know what’s important and work at a very quick pace.

You will also offer:

• Highly developed verbal and written communication.
• Capacity to analyse information, obtain clarity and make well informed judgements.
• Strong organisational skills, able to juggle multiple tasks, set and manage competing priorities.
• Collaborative relationship building skills with exemplary customer service skills when dealing with our stakeholders.
• High levels of initiative and a proactive working style, with an eye on continuous improvement
• Composure and resilience combined with a flexible can-do attitude.
• Sharp eye for detail and a high level of accuracy.
• The ability to prioritise and actively manage multiple work streams within tight time constraints
• Proven ability to be flexible, resilient and foster a culture of engagement and integrity.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

You will be strongly supported in an environment that values continuous improvement and fosters a culture of striving to make our service better for our stakeholders.

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 at heena.ravji@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Sunday, 27 July 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.