Principal Advisor

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.

Mō tēnei tūranga | About this role

Were looking for a Principal Advisor to help us ensure that schools have access to a strong, skilled, and future-ready workforce—particularly in the areas where its needed most.

This is a key national role in our Education Workforce Supply & Leadership group, focused on making sure Aotearoa has the right teachers, school leaders, and education professionals in the right places—especially in hard-to-staff settings and across language-rich environments.

Youll help shape how we grow and support the workforce in areas such as:

• Schools and kura with bilingual or immersion pathways
• Regions experiencing persistent teacher shortages
• Programmes supporting new and emerging education leaders

Were looking for someone who can bring policy and systems thinking, equity insight, and a clear-eyed view of what it takes to support change at a national level.

Location: Primarily based in Wellington - flexible arrangements available for the right person.

Why this work matters

Theres a growing recognition that we need different approaches to workforce supply and leadership across Aotearoa. Communities are diverse. Schools are stretched. And the traditional models arent working in many of our most under-served spaces.

We need people who can help us rethink, redesign and act—grounded in data, insights, and a commitment to outcomes for all ākonga.

This role is ideal for someone who wants to lead change at the system level while staying connected to real-world impact.

Salary range:$118,371- $143,760 per annum + 3% kiwi saver. Well appoint within this range depending on your experience and skills.

Mōhou ake | About you

Were looking for an experienced professional that is happy working in an operational policy space.

To be successful in the role, you need to be curious and a critical thinker and problem solver. Youll be a great communicator and work collaboratively with key internal and external stakeholders, developing relationships at all levels.

Were looking for someone who is strategic, curious and ready to demonstrate:

• A strong equity and systems lens
• Strong experience in policy development and operational policy
• Excellent communication skills - able to turn complex ideas into clear, compelling advice
• A good understanding of how government works (or willingness to learn fast)
• A track record of leading or contributing to large-scale initiatives
• The ability to mentor and develop others in a professional team
• Passion for education, language-rich environments, and workforce sustainability
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

You dont have to be a classroom expert - but a solid understanding of the education sector and how its evolving is a big advantage.

Mātau rōpū ake | About our group and team

At Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga, we support the education sector on a national, regional, and local level, sometimes directly interacting with ākonga and whānau.

Te Pou Ohumahi Mātauranga develops and implements strategies for the education workforce and its leaders, focusing on specialist services, employment relations, pay equity, and more, ensuring the right teachers with the right supports, are in the right places at the right times.

Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi? | Are you ready to make a difference?

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply button. In your cover letter wed like to know about you, your values, or anything else youd like to share. Were keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

For further information, please contact Raukura Maxwell at raukura.maxwell@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight Monday 16 June 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.