Lead Advisor, Early Childhood Education

Ministry of Education; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 101,000 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Education invites applications for the Lead Adviser, Early Learning to coordinate the rollout of early childhood initiatives across the Waikato region. You will translate policy into practical action, lead planning and risk management, and monitor work plans to meet regional goals.

This role emphasises capability building, data-informed decisions and strong leadership, with a commitment to Te Ao Māori and the Tiriti o Waitangi in practice. Located in Hamilton, New Zealand.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership with ability to coach, mentor and drive outcomes.
• Capability-building across regions using data to guide decisions.
• Experience developing and delivering workplans aligned to strategy.
• Ability to recognise risks, opportunities and inform system-level decisions.
• Demonstrated understanding of Te Ao Māori, tikanga Māori and te reo Māori.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate implementation of early childhood initiatives across the Waikato region.
• Translate policy into day-to-day implementation, including project planning and risk management.
• Monitor progress and evaluate outcomes to ensure goals are achieved.
• Provide oversight of work plans and ensure alignment with Education Services goals.

Skills

Leadership

Capability building

Data insights

Systems thinking

Strategic thinking

Te Ao Māori

Public service standards

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand Help shape the future of EducationWe 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

The Lead Adviser, Early Learning coordinates the implementation of early childhood initiatives across the region. They will support the translation of policy into day-to-day implementation work including project planning, risk management, monitoring and evaluation. The Lead Adviser, Early Learning maintains an overview of the direction and implementation of the project plans/work plans across the early childhood education portfolio of work, working to ensure goals are achieved.

Salary range: $101,296 - $122,490 per annum + KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

About you | Mōhou ake

• Proven leadership expertise with a track record of bringing people together, coaching, mentoring and constructively challenging others to learn, grow and achieve outcomes in a safe and supportive environment.
• Lead and contribute to capability building initiatives across the region, strengthening individual and organisational capability.
• Accomplished in developing and delivering workplans aligned to organisational strategy, using data and insights to identify trends, risks and opportunities and inform organisational and system-level decision making.
• Demonstrated systems thinking, understanding linkages and interdependencies across initiatives within and beyond their area of responsibility.
• Solution-focused with strong strategic and creative thinking skills, committed to unlocking Māori potential and supporting meaningful, sustainable change.
• Demonstrates knowledge of, or a willingness to develop understanding of, Te Ao Māori, tikanga Māori and te reo Māori, and an appreciation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The Education Services Group provides well-designed, integrated education services that support the impactful and effective operation of education settings to support student achievement and participation. The services help to remove barriers to participation and learning and provide regulatory advice, support and oversight to early learning providers, schools and kura.

The Group has three key priorities for Education Services:

• Practice & Guidance: Managing practice and guidance to improve national coordination and consistency, whilst enabling regional autonomy for education service delivery.
• Integration & Delivery: Providing education support directly to education settings via integrated regional and national services. This includes intervening when necessary to ensure a high standard of operation to support student outcomes and owning key stakeholder relationships to support schooling improvement and stronger outcomes for learners.
• Monitoring & Improvement: Monitoring and advising on improvements to the effectiveness, efficiency and equity of services for achievement and progression, and attendance and participation. This includes monitoring education provider performance against regulations and intervening as required.

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

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 Norrie Mailer, Manager Practice & Performance [e-mail]

Applications close Midnight - Sunday 8 November 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.