Advisor / Senior Advisor

Role overview

The Ministry of Education in New Zealand is looking for an Advisor or Senior Advisor to join its Te Reo Māori Workforce Supply and Leadership team within the Education Workforce Supply & Leadership Group. This is a permanent, full-time position based in Wellington Central.

The team is focused on improving outcomes for ākonga and contributes to a broad programme of work across workforce supply, leadership, and related education system priorities.

What you will do

• Deliver timely, high-quality analysis and advice that supports decision-making.
• Help progress workstreams that may be complex, unclear, or sensitive.
• Develop practical, innovative, and customer-focused policy ideas and initiatives.

Salary

Advisor: NZD 74,815 to 90,347 per year plus KiwiSaver.

Senior Advisor: NZD 85,225 to 103,071 per year plus KiwiSaver.

The final offer will reflect the selected candidate’s experience and capability.

About you

The team is open to applicants with policy experience or other relevant experience that could strengthen the mahi. You should enjoy working in an operational policy environment and be comfortable handling a variety of tasks.

You will need strong curiosity, sound judgement, critical thinking, and a problem-solving mindset. You should also communicate clearly, build relationships effectively, and work well with both internal and external stakeholders.

Knowledge of Te Ao Māori, tikanga, and Te Reo Māori is valued, along with an understanding of te Tiriti o Waitangi and how it applies within the public sector. If you do not yet have this knowledge, a willingness to learn is important.

Advisor profile

• Strong research, analysis, and problem-solving ability, including gathering, evaluating, and combining information.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce concise policy documents and engage effectively with varied audiences.
• Capability to work independently while also contributing in a fast-moving team environment, with strong attention to accuracy and detail.
• Commitment to delivering outcomes for Māori.
• Willingness to follow Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Senior Advisor profile

• Well-developed business writing and presentation skills.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving capability.
• Advanced policy development skills, including the ability to make complex information easier to understand.
• Experience using evidence and data for decision-making, including tools such as Power BI for analysis and strategic insight.
• Commitment to delivering outcomes for Māori.
• Willingness to follow Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About the team

Te Pou Ohumahi Mātauranga | Education Workforce is a key function within the Ministry. The group works on education workforce strategy, including specialist services, employment relations, pay equity, payroll, workforce supply, leadership, and scholarship functions.

The Te Reo Māori Workforce Supply and Leadership team helps increase the number, diversity, and quality of the education workforce in line with government expectations and commitments. It supports workforce supply and leadership strategies for schools, kura, and early learning services, while working closely with stakeholders across and beyond the Ministry.

The team values collaboration, strong relationships, and a supportive culture that helps deliver quality work.

How to apply

Applicants are asked to send a cover letter and CV. The cover letter should explain your background, values, strengths, transferable skills, motivations, and the perspectives you would bring to the role.

For questions about the position, contact Zak Sutton at zak.sutton@education.govt.nz.

Additional information

Advertised on 10 Jun 2026. This is a permanent role. Applications close at midnight on Sunday 28 June 2026.

The employer is committed to inclusion and belonging. If you need support or adjustments during recruitment, assistance can be arranged.