Senior Education Advisor, Early Learning

Ministry of Education New Zealand; Auckland; On-site; NZD 84,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

A government educational agency in Auckland is seeking a Senior Education Advisor for Early Learning. This fixed-term position involves working with early learning services to ensure regulatory compliance and provide guidance for quality education. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, regulatory experience, and a relevant tertiary qualification. Competitive salary and benefits included.

Benefits

3% KiwiSaver contribution

Diverse and inclusive environment

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in early childhood education and compliance advisory roles.
• Ability to analyze and provide recommendations on regulatory frameworks.
• Strong interpersonal skills to maintain relationships with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Assess compliance of early learning services and facilities.
• Provide advice and support on regulatory requirements.
• Conduct licensing assessments and manage non-compliance issues.

Skills

Regulatory compliance assessment

Collaborative stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Cultural competency

Project management

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Job description

Overview

Date advertised: 17 Sept 2025 • Job Type: Fixed Term • Location: Auckland, 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. We strive to make the biggest difference for our students in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

This is a Fixed Term position as Senior Education Advisor, Early Learning until 30 September 2026 in our Maungawhau | Mount Eden office.

The Senior Education Advisor, Early Learning works with early learning services across the region to implement the regulatory framework for Early Learning and provide advice and guidance to the early learning sector to ensure quality provision. They support the implementation of services, projects, and initiatives to increase early childhood education participation by children from target populations (e.g., Māori, Pasifika, and low socio-economic communities) in areas where participation is low.

Salary range: $84,425 - $93,348 per annum + 3% 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: Senior Education Advisor Early Learning

About you | Mōhou ake

As the Senior Education Advisor Early Learning, you will follow Ministry processes to:

• assess regulatory framework when licensing new services and change of management
• conduct licensing assessments as part of complaint or incident investigation to identify any non-compliance
• ensure compliance, gather evidence and make recommendations
• provide certification and advice for playgroups
• work collaboratively with key stakeholders to provide timely, accurate, quality implementation
• advise and support, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements and obligations
• contribute to improvement-focused action across a community pathway within a regional integrated team
• provide analysis and advice to managers and teams throughout the Ministry working on related areas
• address and respond to early learning issues to contribute to integration and coordination
• work efficiently to establish timeframes, manage own input and workflow and ensure others’ contributions progress work
• build trust with key stakeholders to support decision making and sustain improvement
• maintain open, responsive, and inquiry-focused relationships with stakeholders and colleagues
• give expression and practical effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Te Tiriti) within all team activities
• support colleagues in the region to provide high-quality service and responses to sector, the Ministry and Government
• understand the significance of language and culture on daily work
• adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Mahau takiwā collectively provides leadership and integrated services to the education sector. Our core role is to deliver professional services and provide advice to schools, kura, and early learning services to help them achieve better outcomes for tamariki and ākonga, including guidance for Government priorities and collaboration with other government agencies, iwi and community groups.

Ready to apply?

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. 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 [e-mail]

Applications close Midnight Wednesday 1 October 2025

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.