Principal Advisor, Secondary Transitions

Ministry of Education New Zealand; Nelson; On-site; NZD 119,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver

Job summary

Ministry of Education New Zealand is seeking a fixed-term Principal Adviser Secondary Transition in Nelson for five months to influence policy and practice across schools, wharekura, tertiary providers and communities. You will lead strategic change, use data to inform decisions, and foster strong partnerships with employers to boost progression for rangatahi.

The role requires experience in leadership, change management, and working across iwi and education sectors to improve outcomes and

Qualifications

• Experience in change management within education sectors.
• Ability to inform and influence sector leaders and partners.
• Strong data-informed decision making and planning capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide regional leadership and guidance to education sector leaders on secondary transition.
• Support learners to move from schooling to further education, training and employment with equitable outcomes.
• Collaborate with schools, Iwi, communities and providers to lift achievement and retention.

Skills

Change management

Stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

Interpersonal skills

Education leadership

Job description

Date advertised: 12 Aug 2026

Job Type: External Secondment - Ministry Office

Location: Nelson, 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

This is an exciting fixed-term opportunity as the Principal Adviser Secondary Transition for 5 months to explore how the role makes a real difference in the outcomes of young people by ensuring better progression from schooling to further education, training and employment, whilst the incumbent is seconded into another part of the Ministry of Education.

The Principal Adviser Secondary Transition is a regionally based specialist providing change and thought leadership to education sector leaders, assisting them to support learners to move through secondary school qualifications to employment with a focus on equitable outcomes. This role also plays a key part in the implementation of Ka Hikitia and the Action Plan for Pacific Education.

You will work across the region within current clusters of schools, secondary schools, wharekura, tertiary education providers, Iwi and communities with the new curriculum changes and develop new strategies to lift achievement and rates of retention in education. You will also assist education providers to establish strong local partnerships with employers in order to equip young people to build successful careers, supporting their wellbeing and assisting them to have successful lives. You will work in practical ways to provide innovative alternative solutions for students who are disengaged and/or struggle in mainstream settings.

A flexible and agile mindset is important as is experience in change management, and utilising data to support decision making. We are regularly reviewing and updating our regional work programme to ensure our focus remains directly upon current priorities.

Salary range: $$119,171 - $$131,865 per annum plus KiwiSaver. 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

You will offer:

• Experience working with Kāhui Ako/clusters of schools, secondary schools and tertiary education providers to develop new strategies to lift achievement and rates of retention in education and helping education providers to establish strong local partnerships to equip young people to build successful careers.
• We’re looking for someone with great interpersonal and relationship skills, displays diplomacy and tact, and who can work seamlessly between local employers, tertiary providers, schools, Iwi and communities.
• You will have extensive experience and knowledge in education and or leadership and the ability to support professional change at a school level. You will also be able to utilise data and key knowledge to support regional insights, planning, and reporting.
• Applicants must also have a full driver’s 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 Runga (Southern) is a frontline group. Our frontline groups collectively provide leadership and integrated services to the sector and others. This includes services such as learning support, education advice, and regulation and network functions for kōhanga, schools, kura and early learning services. We do this through co-ordinating and delivering responsive solutions to realise our local region education priorities and goals.

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, please contact Megan Hannigan, acting Manager Planning & Advice Nelson | Marlborough | West Coast for more information at 027 200 8412 or [e-mail]

Applications close Midnight – Wednesday 26 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.