Senior Education Advisor, Early Learning

About the organisation

The Ministry of Education New Zealand is focused on building an education system that supports fair, high-quality outcomes for learners. Its workforce includes people from many backgrounds and cultures across Aotearoa, all working toward making a meaningful difference for students.

About the role

This is a fixed-term position through 31 August 2026, based in Lower Hutt. The Senior Education Advisor – Early Learning sits within the Education Advisory service, which helps the education sector put government priorities into practice. In the early learning space, the role involves helping providers understand and deliver on priorities, statutory duties, and sector expectations, while also identifying where implementation support is needed.

The wider education context includes work to improve attendance and achievement through a knowledge-rich curriculum informed by the science of learning, alongside efforts in learning support and workforce development. Regional teams play a key role in providing consistent, proactive support and services across the sector.

What this team does

The Education Services Group delivers integrated services that help education settings operate effectively, remove barriers to participation and learning, and provide regulatory advice, support, and oversight to early learning providers, schools, and kura.

The group focuses on three priorities:

• Practice and guidance: improving national coordination and consistency while still allowing regional flexibility in service delivery.
• Integration and delivery: delivering support directly through joined-up regional and national services, while managing important stakeholder relationships and stepping in when needed to support school improvement and better learner outcomes.
• Monitoring and improvement: tracking the effectiveness, efficiency, and fairness of services, including provider compliance with regulations and intervention where necessary.

What you will do

The role contributes to early learning priorities by translating government expectations into clear communication, helping ensure they are understood and implemented by providers, and offering practical support to enable delivery.

What we are looking for

We are seeking someone with strong specialist expertise in early learning and the regulatory environment that applies to it. You should be able to build trusted relationships, influence change, interpret data, communicate clearly, and work collaboratively within an integrated team. A solid understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to Public Service integrity and conduct are also essential.

Salary and terms

The salary range is NZD 85,225 to NZD 103,071 per year, plus KiwiSaver. The appointed salary will depend on the selected candidate’s skills and experience.

This opportunity is fixed term until 31 August 2026 and is based in Lower Hutt, New Zealand.

How to apply

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume. The cover letter should explain your background, values, motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the perspective you would bring to the role.

For further details, contact Te Rangipai Renata, Manager, Practice and Performance, at TeRangipai.Renata@education.govt.nz.

Applications close at midnight on 30 June 2026.

Accessibility and inclusion

The organisation values individuality and belonging. If you need support or adjustments to take part in the recruitment process, assistance can be provided.