Senior Education Adviser | Whakatāne

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 ākonga in our education system.

Mō tēnei tūranga | About this role

Do you have a passion for improving educational achievement for all students/ākonga, particularly Māori and Pacific learners, and those with learning support needs? Are you currently working in the education sector and need a new challenge?

As a Senior Education Advisor, you will work directly with our tumuaki | school/kura principals, senior school leaders, Kāhui Ako | Communities of Learning and Boards of Trustees to achieve successful educational outcomes for all students, with a particular focus on addressing inequity and realising the potential of Māori and Pacific students. You must be able to influence others and back this up with knowledge, skills and experience in improving student engagement and achievement. A part of this role will involve casework to support some of the most disadvantaged and disengaged students in our community as well as supporting governance and strategic planning.

You will be working as part of the Ministry of Education’s regional team, using evidence and data on student achievement, and designing and implementing initiatives with schools to strengthen educational performance.

This is a permanent, full-time role based at our Whakatāne Office in one of New Zealand's sunniest locations, offering a fantastic lifestyle and work-life balance opportunity. Whakatāne is the cultural hub of the Whakatāne District which has many local attractions that showcase the rich heritage and history of the area. (See the following link for more information on Whakatāne as a destination: https://www.whakatane.com/)

Applicants who live in Tauranga, Rotorua or the surrounding Bay of Plenty areas and who are willing to commute may also be interested in this role.

Salary range: $84,425-$102,271 per annum + 3% 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 Job Description here.

We also offer:

• Flexible working arrangements where everyone feels valued and supported.

• The ability to purchase extra days leave.

• A range of employee network groups.

• An inclusive environment that encourages your personal cultural competency journey.

• Development and learning, including mentorship programmes and internal secondments.

• Wellness initiatives to support your overall health and wellbeing.

Mōhou ake | About you

In addition to having an appropriate tertiary qualification and recent experience in the New Zealand schooling sector, to be successful in this role, you will need to have the following capabilities and competencies:

• a good understanding of the New Zealand education system and of legislation relevant to education

• experience, preferably at a leadership level, in primary or secondary education, Māori medium, or school governance

• the ability to build and maintain successful and collaborative relationships

• experience in partnering with others to develop, implement and support change initiatives

• an in-depth understanding of factors influencing education performance and student achievement and participation

• knowledge of curriculum delivery and assessment

• strong analytical skills and the ability to work with demographic data to determine needs, priorities and results

• the ability to contribute to the regional goal for Māori achieving and enjoying educational success as Māori and to work confidently with schools and kura in both Māori medium and mainstream contexts

• the ability to provide support for diverse learners, their whānau and communities.

You will also offer:

• the ability to understand and apply the principles of Te Tirirti o Waitangi and tangata whenuatanga

• an understanding of the relevance of identity, language and culture for Māori, Pacific people and students who require additional learning support

• successful experience working with school/kura leaders, school Boards or Communities of Learning | Kāhui Ako to strengthen school practice and raise student achievement

• strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively across a diverse range of settings

• a methodical and systematic approach to work whilst being solution focused

• a full current driver licence as travel will required

• the ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Mātau rōpū ake | About our ministry, group, and team

Te Mahau | Te Tai Whenua (Central) is a frontline group that collectively provides leadership and integrated services to the sector and others. This includes services such as learning support and education advice, and regulation functions for kōhanga, schools, kura and early learning services.

As a frontline group we develop and harness existing relationships with communities at the regional and local level, including deep relationships with iwi and hapū.

We also collectively strengthen relationships with our diverse communities who support Māori, Pacific peoples, disabled ākonga and/or ākonga with learning support needs, and ākonga from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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 (please do not email your application). 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.

If you need any further information, please contact Pennie Muldoon at 07 349 7464 and/or email Pennie.Muldoon@education.govt.nz.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 15 December 2024.

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.