Senior Advisor, Foundational Progress and Achievement

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 ākonga in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

• Fixed term/secondment opportunity for 12 months
• Parental leave cover from 1 April until 9 March 2026

The Senior Adviser, Foundational Progress and Achievement contributes to the design of foundational curriculum and assessment supports and products, and to the development, and implementation of teaching and learning initiatives to support students to lift achievement. They support the design of a knowledge-rich and responsive curriculum which helps students develop the knowledge and skills they need for study, work, and life-long learning.

You will specifically be supporting work to deliver the national roll-out of the Year 7/8 maths intervention, accelerating learning and reporting to parents projects. Delivery of these projects are set for Term 1 2026, and will require support for implementation in Terms 1 and 2 2026.

This role is a potential secondment opportunity for a suitably experienced candidate. This is a Wellington based role and the successful candidate will be required in the Wellington Office at least 3 days per week, more as required.

• Work in a collaborative way with key stakeholders to provide timely, creative, quality advice and support, as well as practical solutions for supporting core curriculum, teaching and learning development and initiatives
• Contribute to plans to support the rollout of new initiatives developing information tools and resources that build capability and knowledge.
• Contribute to plans to support the rollout of new initiatives developing information tools and resources that build capability and knowledge.
• Establish and coordinate information collection, planning and consultation processes which feed into the development of curriculum, teaching and learning design and professional capability building.
• Track, anticipate and respond to emerging issues that pose potential risk, advising on priorities and focusing effort when it has the most impact.

Salary range : $84,425 - $102,271 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 

We also offer:

• Flexible working arrangements where everyone feels valued & supported.
• The ability to purchase extra days leave.
• A range of employee network groups.
• An inclusive environment that encourages your personal cultural competency journey.
• Development and learning, including mentorship programmes and internal secondments.
• Wellness initiatives to support your overall health and wellbeing.

About you | Mōhou ake

You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sector.>

You will also offer:

• Proven ability to establish, build and maintain highly effective working relationships.>
• Ability to convey abstract and/or complex ideas in clear, practical and concrete terms, tailored for the audience.
• Ability to work flexibly across the work area and an ever-changing environment.>
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

This is a unique opportunity to be a part of transformation and change in Aotearoa’s education system

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

Applications close Midnight – Tuesday 11 March 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.