Chief Advisor, Education Workforce Supply and Leadership

Ministry of Education; Wellington; On-site; NZD 141,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Education in Wellington is seeking a Chief Advisor to lead strategic thinking and provide expert advice on the supply, growth and leadership of the education sector workforce. You will influence policy, shape workforce strategies and expenditure, and use data to support high‑impact decisions.

This role requires a credible leader who thrives in complexity and collaborates across organisational boundaries.

Qualifications

• Experience leading public policy and providing government advice on complex issues.
• Ability to develop frameworks and use data to determine best responses.
• Capability to work across policy and delivery teams.
• Strong communication and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic thinking and expert advice on workforce supply, growth and leadership in the education sector.
• Shape workforce strategies and expenditure to support outcomes for students.
• Provide evidence-based policy guidance and information to senior stakeholders.
• Navigate ambiguity and influence across organisational boundaries.

Skills

Public policy leadership

Policy strategy

Data-driven decisions

Stakeholder influence

Cross-agency collaboration

Education

Policy/economics degree

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand.

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 everyday to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

Come join a thriving strategy and operational policy team, focused on attracting,training and retaining the best talent in the education workforce - teachers, schoolleaders, specialists and more.

As Chief Advisor you'll lead strategic thinking and provide expert advice on thesupply, growth, and leadership of the education sector workforce. Your work willshape workforce strategies and expenditure, helping to ensure every child has accessto great teachers, specialists and leaders.

You’ll draw on your strengths in policy and strategy to deliver advice grounded inevidence and data. This role is about seeing the big picture - identifying trends,tackling complex workforce issues, and helping guide smart, future-focuseddecisions.

If you're driven by impact, thrive on complexity, and want to help lead change thatmatters—this is your opportunity.

Salary range: $141,146 - 171,196 per annum plus KiwiSaver. The successfulcandidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills andexperience.

For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

You are a credible and influential leader who thrives on solving complex problemsand shaping outcomes. You bring experience providing strategic advice in a largeand dynamic environment, with the ability to navigate ambiguity, build trustedrelationships, and influence within and across organisational boundaries.

To be successful in this role, you will have the following capabilities andcompetencies:

• Expertise in leading public policy, and the provision of advice to governments oncomplex issues
• Experience in developing frameworks and using data and evidence to determinethe best response to issues
• Able to work across policy and delivery teams
• Bring a solution-focused mindset
• Be influential towards achieving outcomes
• Be highly motivated to deliver and contribute.
• Demonstrate the ability to respond and take ownership for work, be self-managing
• Have a calm approach and be clear headed in your thinking
• Be able to adapt to changing circumstances and respond to pressure

You will have:

• A tertiary degree in policy, economics or similar
• Well-developed presentation and writing skills
• Experience working at a senior policy level in the public service
• An understanding of the machinery of government, including a working knowledge ofpublic financial management
• Sound political awareness
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards ofIntegrity and Conduct.

You'll join a supportive and collaborative leadership team that values innovation,continuous improvement and shared success.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Our Group (Te Pou Ohumahi Mātauranga) develops and implements strategies for theeducation workforce and its leaders, focusing on specialist services, employmentrelations, pay equity, and more, so that we have the education workforce with theright supports, in the right places at the right time.

Applications close 11.59pm on Sunday, 15 November 2026

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense ofbelonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in therecruitment process, please let us know.