Senior Advisor, Multi-Agency Collaboration

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 Wellington-based fulltime Fixed Term role until December 2027.
We are looking for two Senior Advisors.

As a Senior Advisor – Multi-Agency Collaboration, you’ll be at the heart of connecting national strategy with regional action to improve attendance outcomes for students | ākonga. You’ll lead the establishment and operation of multi-agency attendance forums across specified catchments and regions, fostering collaboration between attendance service providers, schools, iwi/Māori, and other government agencies.

You’ll guide stakeholders in setting up effective forums, share best practices, and ensure that insights from the ground inform national design. You’ll also support complex cases requiring multi-agency responses and help shape practical, locally responsive attendance solutions that reflect the needs of communities.

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 Multi Agency Collaboration

About you | Mōhou ake

You’re a connector, a collaborator, and a strategic thinker. You bring experience from education, social services, or community engagement, and you know how to facilitate meaningful partnerships that lead to better outcomes. You’re confident leading forums, navigating complexity, and translating strategy into action.

You will have a strong understanding of attendance systems and interagency coordination, and you’re skilled at using data and insights to inform decisions. You’re proactive, politically aware, and comfortable working across diverse stakeholders. You bring a commitment to equity, te Tiriti o Waitangi, and continuous improvement—and you’re ready to help shape a more connected, responsive attendance system for Aotearoa.

Importantly, you don’t just do the work - you guide and support others to do it well too. You know how to build capability, foster shared ownership, and create space for others to contribute meaningfully.

You will also offer:

• Experience in a complex organisation
• Experience in building relationships and partnerships to achieve shared outcomes.
• Experience in advisory or implementation roles within education, social services, or community engagement.
• Experience facilitating collaborative forums or networks.
• 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.

These roles are available to be based from 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.

Some travel may be required in this role.
 

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.