Senior Advisor, Pathways and Transitions

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

Join us as a Senior Advisor – Pathways and Transitions.

This is a permanent, full-time role where you’ll play a key part in shaping the future of senior secondary education. Reporting to the Manager, Pathways and Transitions, you’ll lead the design and delivery of vocational curriculum and assessment policy, tools, and services, from concept to implementation. Your work will help create a system that offers quality, equitable pathways for every learner, empowering them to transition confidently into a life of learning, earning, caring, and contributing.

Specifically, you will:

• Review and update a range of resources on key websites including School Leavers Toolkit and Tahurangi.
• Manage the annual maintencne of the Vocational Pathways database working closely with tertiary and NZQA partners
• Support the development of advice and resources to enable the successful movement of senior secondary students from school to training, work or further study for the benefit of both the individual students and their communities
• Support the design and development of quality student resources, be innovativative and student centred.
• Manage quality procurement practices that ensure services meet expected outcomes efficiently and effectively.
• Develop and maintain quality relationships with various industry groups including Industry Standard Boards, Careers and Transition Association, TEC and NZQA.

Salary range: $85,225 - $103,071 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.

About you | Mōhou ake

The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to build strong working relationships with a wide variety of people internal and external to the Ministry of Education.
• Well developed writing and research skills and be able to write for a range of audiences including for the Ministerial Reports and letters, teacher and student resources.
• An understanding of existing career advice process and transition options available to schools and their limitations
• Experience of using data and insights to identify trends, risks and opportunities, and to inform functional decision making.
• A suitable tertiary qualification.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake 

Qualifications and Pathways(QP) is focused on the progression and achievement of secondary-school aged rangatahi to continue into further learning, training or work and is part of Te Poutāhū (the Curriculum Centre).

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 Hiring Manager Rob Mill, General Manager,  at rob.mill@education.govt.nz 

Applications close Midnight – Friday 5 December 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.