Curriculum Advisor

Ministry of Education New Zealand; Palmerston North; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver

Job summary

Ministry of Education New Zealand in Palmerston North is seeking a Curriculum Advisor to support schools, kura and early learning services in implementing curriculum and aromatawai changes with a whole-school focus.

You will advise leadership teams and kaiako on curriculum and assessment change, drawing on knowledge of the national curricula and the science of learning. Some regional travel will be required.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of the science of learning and the effective teaching practices to enact the knowledge rich curriculum.
• Strong expertise in whole school curriculum planning and delivery to support consistency in teaching and learning.
• Curriculum design knowledge and practical experience with the National Curriculum.
• Pedagogical knowledge and ability to build others' knowledge; state your area of pedagogical expertise in your application.
• Proven ability to build and maintain partnerships to drive change with strong interpersonal and facilitation skills.
• Familiarity with te ao Māori and understanding of Te Reo and mātauranga Māori is advantageous.
• A full current NZ driver licence as travel will be required.
• Adherence to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Responsibilities

• Access and uses quality support materials to implement curriculum changes.
• Deliver whole school curriculum and assessment and aromatawai change aligned to local needs and national priorities.
• Support professional learning to develop pedagogical content knowledge.

Skills

Science of learning

Curriculum planning

Curriculum design

Pedagogical knowledge

Partnership building

Te ao Māori familiarity

NZ driver licence

Public Service Standards

Job description

Date advertised: 27 Aug 2026

Job Type: Permanent

Location: Palmerston North, NZ

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

Are you passionate about supporting high-quality teaching and learning that makes a real difference for all ākonga? As a Curriculum Advisor you’ll be at the forefront of educational change, working directly with schools, kura and early learning services in your region to implement curriculum and assessment and aromatawai changes with a specific focus on schools catering for students in Years 0 -10.

As a Curriculum Advisor, you will provide advice to leadership teams, teachers and kaiako on implementing curriculum and assessment and aromatawai changes taking a whole school approach. We are seeking Curriculum Advisers with proven experience in leading whole school curriculum and, enacting and embedding change, along with expertise in one or more of the national curricula. You will have a strong background and understanding of the science of learning and relevant pedagogies and assessment and aromatawai practices.

You will be part of a regional team using the Curriculum Advisory Service to:

• Support schools, kura and early learning services to implement the knowledge rich curriculum using effective practices to that it has the intended impact for learners.
• Deliver whole school curriculum and assessment and aromatawai change aligned to local needs and national priorities using targeted and tailored implementation supports.
• Access and use quality support materials.
• Supporting professional learning to develop pedagogical content knowledge.

Salary range: $100,296 - $121,490 per annum plus KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

About you | Mōhou ake

• Deep understanding of the science of learning and the effective teaching practices that are needed to enact the knowledge rich curriculum to achieve learner outcomes.
• Strong, proven expertise in whole school curriculum planning and delivery that supports consistency of teaching and learning with the ability to support professional change in education settings.
• Effective curriculum design expertise and a deep working knowledge and practical experience in teaching and learning using National Curriculum is essential. Evidenced of improved outcomes for diverse communities is an advantage.
• Deep pedagogical knowledge, both the underlying expertise and the ability to build others knowledge. Please state your area of pedagogical expertise in your application.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective partnerships to drive change, using strong interpersonal, facilitation, and diplomacy skills. Skilled in leading, motivating, and coaching kaiako, teachers and leaders to build capability and implement change
• Familiarity with te ao Māori and understanding of Te Reo, and mātauranga Māori is advantageous for Curriculum Advisors.
• A full current NZ driver licence as travel will be required.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Mahau | Te Tai Whenua are frontline groups that collectively provides leadership and integrated services to the sector and others. This includes services such as learning support and education advice, and regulation functions for kōhanga, schools, kura and early learning services.

As a frontline group we develop and harness existing relationships with communities at the regional and local level, including deep relationships with iwi and hapū.

We also collectively strengthen relationships with our diverse communities who support Māori, Pacific peoples, disabled ākonga and/or ākonga with learning support needs, and ākonga from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

For further information, contact Melanie Hagan, [e-mail] or contact me on 06 349 6326.

Applications will be assessed as they are received, with shortlisting and interviews undertaken on a rolling basis. Early application is therefore encouraged.

Applications close Midnight – Thursday 17 September 2026.

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.