Senior Education Advisor

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

Full-time, permanent role based in the Whangārei office, Te Tai Tokerau.

There is a lot going on in the education system to improve attendance, and achievement through a knowledge-rich curriculum grounded in the science of learning. We are also working to strengthen other areas, such as learning support interventions and the development of the education workforce.  Our role is to work with the education sector to implement these and other priorities – including through proactive, consistent supports and services from our regional teams.

This role has a specific focus on supporting children and young people to access an education that meets their needs, and supports the re-engagement of children and young people in their learning pathway. The Senior Education Advisor (Student Support) will use data, and local knowledge and relationships to identify priorities and influence change to maximise education outcomes for ākonga.

Young people at risk of not achieving need innovative education solutions that meet their learning needs. This role requires close working relationships and an understanding of education, including alternative education, activity centres, attendance services, and local tailor-made services to develop a learning pathway that is sustainable for the most challenging students.

The Senior Education Advisor role is part of our Education Advisory service that supports the education sector to implement education priorities through:

• Communicating government priorities and strategies and ensuring these are well understood and delivered on.
• Identifying, brokering and providing implementation support.
• Tracking and reporting on implementation progress.
• Working with schools, kura and whānau to ensure students are attending and engaged in education.
• Utilising the suite of supports and interventions to advance attendance and achievement outcomes.

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.

About you | Mōhou ake

The successful applicant will demonstrate that they can quickly establish strong relationships of purpose and high credibility with the education sector, alongside other government departments and Non-Government Organisations.

You will also have:

• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent level of practical experience.
• Experience in building relationships and influencing change to achieve outcomes.
• An ability to use data and insights to identify trends, risks and opportunities.
• Strong engagement and communication skills, including experience of providing high quality and timely advice – written and verbal.
• The ability to work as part of an integrated team delivering services to the education sector.  This includes working co-operatively with others to solve problems and complete tasks.
• An understanding of National Education and Learner Priorities (NELP), Ka Hikitia, the Action Plan for Pacific Education, and Success for All and how these documents impact on this work.
• The ability to understand and apply the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tangata whenuatanga.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

You will need a current full driver’s licence as the role involves some regional travel. 

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake 

Te Mahau | Te Tai Raro provides leadership and integrated services to the education sector and others. This includes learning support; education advice and regulation functions for schools and early learning services; and advice and support with curriculum. We also share practice and learnings collaboratively with other Te Mahau and Ministry groups to support insights driven guidance, design, and policy.

We work closely with the Early Childhood and Schooling sectors, providers, and communities to provide support, expertise, and resources to help children and young people reach their full potential.

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 Tim Andersen, Manager Integrated Services at Tim.Andersen@education.govt.nz.

Applications close Midnight – Sunday 13 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.