Senior Education Advisor

Ministry of Education New Zealand; New Plymouth; On-site; NZD 85,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver

Salary commensurate with experience

Job summary

The Ministry of Education New Zealand is seeking a Senior Education Adviser to join the Education Advisory service in New Plymouth. This permanent, full-time role (1.0 FTE) focuses on implementing government priorities in schools, kura and whānau, with emphasis on attendance and achievement outcomes.

You will use data to identify trends, build relationships, and deliver high-quality advice while upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and Public Service Standards.

Qualifications

• Experience in building relationships and influencing change to achieve outcomes.
• Ability to use data and insights to identify trends, risks and opportunities.
• Strong engagement and communication skills, including high quality written and verbal advice.
• The ability to work as part of an integrated team delivering services to the education sector.
• The ability to understand and apply the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Responsibilities

• Communicating government priorities and strategies and ensuring these are understood and delivered.
• Identifying, brokering and providing implementation support.
• Tracking and reporting on implementation progress.
• Working with schools, kura and whānau to ensure students are attending and engaged in education.
• Utilising supports and interventions to advance attendance and achievement outcomes.

Skills

Relationship building

Data-driven advice

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Public Service Standards

Job description

Date advertised: 26 Aug 2026

Job Type: Permanent

Location:

New Plymouth, NZ

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 role is a Permanent role for a Senior Education Adviser (1.0FTE) based in New Plymouth, school leadership experience is strongly desired.

The Senior Education Advisor role is part of our Education Advisory service that supports the education sector to implement education priorities through:

• Communicating government priorities and strategies and ensuring these are well understood and delivered on.
• Identifying, brokering and providing implementation support.
• Tracking and reporting on implementation progress.
• Working with schools, kura and whānau to ensure students are attending and engaged in education.
• Utilising the suite of supports and interventions to advance attendance and achievement outcomes.

Salary range: $85,225 - $103,071 per annum plus KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

About you | Mōhou ake

We are looking for someone who has experience in and knowledge of the schooling sector and associated legislation.

You will offer:

• Experience in building relationships and influencing change to achieve outcomes.
• An ability to use data and insights to identify trends, risks and opportunities.
• Strong engagement and communication skills, including experience of providing high quality and timely advice – written and verbal.
• The ability to work as part of an integrated team delivering services to the education sector. This includes working co-operatively with others to solve problems and complete tasks.
• The ability to understand and apply the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• 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 Whenua provides leadership and integrated services to the education sector and others. This includes learning support; education advice and regulation functions for schools and early learning services; and advice and support with curriculum. We also share practice and learnings collaboratively with other Te Mahau and Ministry groups to support insights driven guidance, design, and policy.

We work closely with the Early Childhood and Schooling sectors, providers, and communities to provide support, expertise, and resources to help children and young people reach their full potential.

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 Brigitte Luke, Manager, Integrated Services on [e-mail]

Applications close Midnight – Wednesday 2 September 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.