Lead Advisor, Early Learning

Ministry of Education; Wellington; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver

Job summary

Ministry of Education seeks a Lead Adviser, Early Learning in the Wellington region to coordinate the implementation of early childhood initiatives, translate policy into day-to-day work, and manage project planning, risk, monitoring and evaluation.

The role focuses on leading capability building, developing work plans aligned to strategy, and using data and insights to guide decisions across the early learning portfolio, with emphasis on Te Ao Māori understanding and partnerships with

Qualifications

• Proven leadership with ability to coach, mentor and enable learning
• Lead capability building across the region to strengthen capacity
• Develop and deliver workplans aligned to organisational strategy using data insights
• Demonstrated systems thinking and ability to identify trends and opportunities
• Strong strategic and creative thinking, supporting meaningful, sustainable change
• Knowledge of Te Ao Māori, tikanga Māori and te reo Māori; respect for Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the implementation of early childhood initiatives across the region, translating policy into day-to-day work including project planning and risk management.
• Maintain an overview of project plans across the early childhood portfolio and ensure goals are achieved.
• Support the Education Services Group in delivering integrated regional and national services to improve student outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Policy translation

Risk management

Data-driven decisions

Te Reo Māori awareness

Tools

Work planning tools

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Ministry of Education – Wanganui, North Island

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand

Help shape the future of Education

We work toshapeaneducationsystem that deliversequitableandexcellent 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.

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: $100,296 - $121,490 per annum + kiwi saver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

For more details about the role, you can view thejob description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

To be successful in this role you will have the following capabilities and competencies:

• 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.

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.

For further information, please contact Nancy Macfarlane, Manager Practice & Performance ***************@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Sunday 30 August 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.