Senior Learning Designer - Qualifications

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 106,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children is seeking a Senior Learning Designer on a fixed-term basis to June 30, 2027. Location is flexible across Aotearoa, with Wellington preferred.

You will lead expert capabilities in qualifications, learning pathways and tertiary engagement to strengthen the Residential Workforce Programme. Working in the Professional Learning and Development team, you will establish partnerships with universities, wānanga and other education providers to support residential

Qualifications

• Significant experience in adult learning, learning design, workforce capability or professional development.
• Experience developing qualification pathways, workforce development frameworks or education partnerships.
• Strong understanding of the tertiary education sector and how qualifications can support workforce professionalisation.
• Experience building relationships with tertiary institutions, accreditation bodies or professional organisations.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and development of strategic learning solutions that build workforce capability.
• Provide expert advice on qualifications frameworks, learning pathways and workforce development approaches.
• Develop and influence partnerships with universities, wānanga, institutes of technology and other education providers.
• Translate workforce capability needs into practical learning strategies and programmes.
• Ensure learning solutions align with professional practice standards and needs of residential services.
• Evaluate programme effectiveness and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including sector partners and accreditation bodies.

Skills

Adult learning

Learning design

Workforce capability

Professional development

Stakeholder management

Project management

Strategic thinking

Ako Māori knowledge

Education

Tertiary qualification

Job description

Unique fixed term opportunity for a Senior Learning Designer to 30 June 2027 to bring your qualifications expertise to the mahi! Location flexible across the motu, Wellington preferred.

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the professionalisation of Aotearoa New Zealand's residential workforce.

As a Senior Learning Designer, you will bring specialist expertise in qualifications, learning pathways and tertiary engagement to support the capbility of the Residential Workforce Programme. Working within the Professional Learning and Development team and reporting to the Learning and Development Lead, you will help shape how Oranga Tamariki builds sustainable learning pathways that strengthen professional practice and workforce capability.

A key focus of this position will be establishing and maintaining partnerships with tertiary institutions, including those offering youth work and related qualifications. You will work collaboratively with academic partners and internal stakeholders to explore qualification pathways, accreditation opportunities and workforce development solutions that support residential kaimahi to build recognised professional credentials.

You will also:

• Contribute to the design and development of strategic learning solutions that build workforce capability.
• Provide expert advice on qualifications frameworks, learning pathways and workforce development approaches.
• Develop and influence partnerships with universities, wānanga, institutes of technology and other education providers.
• Translate workforce capability needs into practical learning strategies and programmes.
• Ensure learning solutions align with professional practice standards and the needs of residential services.
• Evaluate programme effectiveness and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including sector partners and accreditation bodies.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

We are looking for someone who combines learning design expertise with a strong understanding of qualifications, workforce development and tertiary education partnerships.

You'll bring:

• Significant experience in adult learning, learning design, workforce capability or professional development.
• Experience developing qualification pathways, workforce development frameworks or education partnerships.
• Strong understanding of the tertiary education sector and how qualifications can support workforce professionalisation.
• Experience building productive relationships with tertiary institutions, accreditation bodies or professional organisations.
• Knowledge of youth work, social work, residential care, community services or a related profession would be highly advantageous.
• Experience working across multiple stakeholders to influence and achieve shared outcomes.
• Strong strategic thinking, project management and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of Ako Māori and culturally responsive approaches to learning, and an overall commitment to improving outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.
• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $106,416 and $117782 dependent on experience.

We also offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit

Applications for this role close just before midnight on Tuesday 29 September 2026

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.