Programme Delivery Lead

Overview

The Ministry of Education in New Zealand is seeking a Programme Delivery Lead to support the delivery of professional learning and development initiatives. This fixed-term full-time position is based in Wellington and runs until December 2028.

The role sits within the Professional Development and Services team, which is responsible for delivering accessible, high-quality curriculum and assessment-focused learning opportunities for educators. The position contributes to work that supports the refreshed New Zealand Curriculum and Te Marautanga o Aotearoa.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate programme delivery across a portfolio of projects, making sure planning, sequencing, and interdependencies are well managed.
• Set the project scope and deliverables, and help ensure outcomes are achieved successfully.
• Track risks, issues, changes, and other delivery challenges, and put mitigation and contingency actions in place where needed.
• Prepare governance papers, progress reports, status updates, and other documentation for management and stakeholders.
• Communicate clearly with a wide range of stakeholders and maintain strong lines of accountability.
• Work closely with Principal Advisers and Lead Advisers to support delivery of the overall programme.
• Build collaborative working relationships across teams to unblock issues and drive results.

Candidate profile

• Experience working in a complex organisation and managing project planning across risks, issues, change, quality, timelines, costs, resources, interfaces, and dependencies.
• Proven ability to build relationships and partnerships that lead to shared outcomes.
• Experience working with public sector processes, especially in identifying and managing risks.
• Project management qualification such as MSP, PRINCE2, or Agile is preferred but not essential.
• Willingness to uphold Public Service standards of integrity and conduct.

About the team

The Curriculum Centre Group provides expertise and partnership across the New Zealand Curriculum, Te Marautanga o Aotearoa, and Te Whāriki. The group leads the national curricula for Aotearoa New Zealand and the related assessment and aromatawai systems.

It develops curriculum services for teachers, kaiako, leaders, ākonga, whānau, and communities, with a focus on identity, language, culture, inclusion, and evidence-based practice. Its strengths include te reo Māori, mātauranga Māori, disability support, inclusive learning, and culturally relevant content.

Salary and conditions

The salary range for this role is NZD 100,296 to NZD 121,490 per year, plus KiwiSaver. The final offer will reflect the successful candidate’s skills and experience.

This is a full-time fixed-term or secondment opportunity until December 2028. The role is based in Wellington, New Zealand.

Application details

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume. The cover letter should include information about personal values, motivation, strengths, transferable skills, and the perspective the candidate would bring to the role.

For further information, contact Shaun Hawthorne, Manager, Professional Development and Services, at Shaun.Hawthorne@education.govt.nz.

Applications close at midnight on Monday, 29 June 2026.

The organisation is committed to an inclusive recruitment process and invites candidates to request assistance or adjustments if needed to participate fully.

About the organisation

The Ministry of Education works to build an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes. Its people come from many backgrounds and cultures across Aotearoa, united by a shared goal of making a meaningful difference for students.