Director Te Ihuwaka | Lead Evidence to Policy

Nz Education Review Office; Wellington; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Education Review Office seeks a visionary Director for Te Ihuwaka to steer its research, evaluation and evidence-mobilisation portfolio. Lead senior researchers, evaluators and advisors, shaping policy impact and system improvement to advance outcomes for children and learners.

You will guide cross-government collaboration, govern resources, and ensure rigorous, credible work across education, policy and practice in Aotearoa. Strong leadership and Te Tiriti understanding are essential.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification and/or extensive comparable experience.
• Extensive experience in policy, research and evaluation to influence outcomes.
• Proven leadership and management experience building inclusive, high-performing teams.
• Strong knowledge of the New Zealand Public Service, government and public policy processes.
• Understanding of the political and education-sector context and interfaces.
• Ability to oversee rigorous, credible and relevant policy, research and evaluation.
• Excellent relationship, communication and influencing skills at all levels.
• Ability to navigate complexity, ambiguity and competing tensions to deliver results.
• Knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its implications for education is important.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the strategic vision and goals for Te Ihuwaka aligned to ERO's broader objectives.
• Understand and respond to the wider education-sector and political context.
• Oversee high-quality policy, research and evaluation projects.
• Lead mobilisation of ERO's evidence and insights into practice and publish findings to inform educators and Ministers.
• Lead, mentor and develop an inclusive, high-performing team.
• Build trusted relationships with Ministers, agencies, education providers, sector bodies and international partners.
• Manage people, financial and other resources effectively.
• Implement strong governance and risk-management practices.
• Monitor and report on performance and impact with a focus on Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori outcomes.

Education

Tertiary qualification or extensive comparable experience

Job description

Education Review Office seeks a visionary Director for Te Ihuwaka to steer its research, evaluation and evidence-mobilisation portfolio. Lead senior researchers, evaluators and advisors, shaping policy impact and system improvement to advance outcomes for children and learners.

You will guide cross-government collaboration, govern resources, and ensure rigorous, credible work across education, policy and practice in Aotearoa. Strong leadership and Te Tiriti understanding are essential.