Senior Education Advisor, Early Learning

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. 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 a fixed term opporutnity until September 2026.

There is a lot going on in the education system to improve attendance, and achievement through a knowledge-rich curriculum grounded in the science of learning. We are also working to strengthen other areas, such as learning support interventions and the development of the education workforce. Our role is to work with the education sector to implement these and other priorities – including through proactive, consistent supports and services from our regional teams.

The Senior Education Advisor – Early Learning role is part of our Education Advisory service that supports the education sector to implement education priorities. In relation to Early Learning, we do this through:

• communicating government priorities, strategies and statutory requirements and obligations,
• ensuring these are well understood and delivered on by providers; and
• identifying, brokering and providing implementation support.

For more details about the role, you can view the job description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

We are looking for someone who has specialist knowledge, skills and expertise in early learning and the regulatory framework that governs early learning. 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.

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.

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 Kerry Taiala at [email protected]

Applications close Midnight – Wednesday 20 May 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.