Senior Advisor, Projects

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

Sitting within the Office of the Deputy Secretary (Hautū), the Senior Advisor leads the provision of project support across a number of the groups high volume and profile workstreams through establishment planning, stakeholder engagement, reporting, and risk management; enabling managers and teams to focus on the strategic delivery.

The Senior Advisor will develop and maintain processes, systems and tools that will collate and present workstream information in a way that enables strategic insights and advice to support teams deliver on their policy work programmes.

The role ensures consistent coordination, timely delivery, and improved visibility across workstreams, while also supporting cross-group collaboration, alignment and best practice. Key to success will be building strong relationships and timely communication.

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

About you | Mōhou ake

We’re looking for someone who knows policy project work. The cadence, peculiarities and differences that come from planning and managing a thought-based piece of work. The impacts and steps required when the actions being managed involve writing, recommendations, decision making and consultation.

You must also know how to multi-task, bring experience developing structures that give confidence to busy SME’s, are not phased by ad hoc demands and able to balance proactive work with the reactive demands of a busy policy group.

You will also offer:

• The ability to work with teams across workstreams, projects and programmes to collate information on progress, planning and portfolio level risks.
• Experience developing and applying operating processes, systems and tools that provide project support.
• The confidence to bring structure and personality to this role, along with a truly people centric focus
• The skills and experience to embed the ODS’s strength and value of ‘he tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata’
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The Office of the Hautū supports the Deputy Secretary and the teams within Te Pou Kaupapahere with proactive advice and support to enable them to achieve their strategic and operational objectives. We are an agile and responsive team that maintains good relationships across all parts of the group, the wider Ministry and with our external partners. 

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 Antony Harvey, Director Office of the Hautū at Antony.Harvey@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight Friday 21 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.