Senior Advisor, Governance and Programmes

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand

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 | Mo tenei turanga

• Senior Advisor Governance and Programmes.
• 12 months fixed term, fulltime.
• Wellington based.

We are setting up a new Ministry Teaching Standards team in Te Pou Ohumahi Matauranga to prepare for new responsibilities for setting teacher standards, criteria and the Code of Conduct. These responsibilities are proposed in legislation currently before Parliament, so our focus is on building the foundations the Ministry would need to take on these functions if the law is passed.

As Senior Advisor, Governance and Programmes, you will play a key role in shaping how this new function is set up and delivered. You will help design and support the governance, systems and processes that will guide how teaching profession settings are developed, maintained and reviewed in the future. Your work will ensure the team is organised, coordinated and ready to deliver if the legislation is enacted.

You will act as a trusted adviser, working closely with team members and stakeholders to build the information systems, programme structures and ways of working needed for a high quality, well governed programme.

You will identify risks and issues, support complex problem solving, and provide analysis and advice that helps the team make sound decisions.

You will also support procurement, financial processes and contract management, maintain key documentation and risk registers, and help establish scalable, efficient systems that set this new function up for long term success.

Salary range: $100,296 - $121,490 per annum plus KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

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

About you | Mohou ake

To be successful in this role, you will bring a depth of experience in programme, project or operational support within complex environments, ideally in regulatory, education or wider public sector settings. You will be confident leading integration across multiple workstreams, ensuring alignment, coherence and high-quality delivery.

• Programme and governance delivery experience, coordinating workstreams, maintaining programme plans and registers, and supporting effective governance processes.
• Relationship influence and cross-system collaboration by building trusted partnerships and supporting alignment across teams, groups and stakeholders.
• Operational discipline and problem-solving skills, using programme tools, identifying risks and supporting procurement, financial and documentation processes.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

You'll join a collaborative, supportive and highly engaged team that values curiosity, clarity and collective problem-solving. We work in a flexible environment where your ideas are welcomed, your expertise is trusted, and your professional growth is actively supported.

You'll have opportunities to influence system-level change, contribute to meaningful outcomes for learners and communities, and develop your capability in programme governance and strategic delivery

About our group and team | Matau ropu ake

Te Pou Ohumahi | Education Workforce is working to enable a strong culturally competent education workforce that drives a world leading learner-focussed education system.

In Workforce Experience and Delivery, we work as a multi- disciplinary team to provide the workforce with the services and support they need to thrive, enabling a focus on student success.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mo tenei mahi?

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 Priti Patel, Programme Manager at ***email_hidden***

Applications close: Midnight, Sunday, 21st June/ 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.