Lead Advisor, Early Learning

New Zealand Government; Whanganui; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lead Adviser, Early Learning role with New Zealand Government coordinates the implementation of early childhood initiatives across the region. They translate policy into day-to-day work, supporting project planning, risk management, monitoring and evaluation to ensure goals are met.

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

Qualifications

• Proven leadership with a track record of bringing people together and guiding teams to achieve outcomes.
• Experience in coaching, mentoring and supporting others to learn and grow.
• Ability to develop work plans aligned to strategy and use data to identify trends, risks and opportunities.
• Strong systems thinking and understanding of interdependencies across initiatives.
• Commitment to unlocking Māori potential and applying Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the implementation of early childhood initiatives across the region.
• Translate policy into day-to-day implementation work including project planning and monitoring.
• Develop and monitor work plans and evaluations to ensure goals are achieved.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

People development

Data insights

Systems thinking

Strategic thinking

Māori knowledge

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New ZealandHelp shape the future of EducationWe work toshapeaneducationsystem that deliversequitableandexcellent outcomesOur 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: $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 the job 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.

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?

For further information, please contact Nancy Macfarlane, Manager Practice & Performance [e-mail]

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.