We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes

At Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga | Ministry of Education, we work to provide services and support nationally, regionally and locally to the education sector, and in some cases, directly to ākonga and whānau.

We help shape the policies, settings and performance of the education system for early learning, schooling and tertiary. We do this by building relationships and understanding the needs of those who receive our services.

We are making significant changes to how we deliver our mahi by

• Taking practical action to give effect to te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Giving priority to regional and local voice.
• Delivering greater responsiveness, accessibility and integrated services and support.
• Improving feedback loops and information flows.

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people across 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 every child, young person and adult student in our education system.

About our group and team

Te Mahau | Te Tai Whenua (Central) is a frontline group. Our frontline groups will collectively provide 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.

Mō tēnei tūranga | About this role

As the Lead Advisor Early Childhood Education, you will play a part in championing quality early learning education and to positively influence change. This role will give you the opportunity to work in partnership with sector leaders and communities to support them to achieve successful early childhood education outcomes for all children. You must be able to influence others and be able to back this up with knowledge, skills and experience.

The location of this role is flexible and could be based at any of the offices in the Bay of Plenty-Waiariki region. The successful candidate will join a supportive and performance-driven team environment.

Mōhou ake | About you

To be successful in this role, you will need to be able to:

• Build successful relationships with members of the wider early childhood education community/Te Kōhanga Reo as well as with schools and kura.
• Work with data and information to identify issues and come up with solutions to solve complex problems and make decisions.
• Lead and work with others to support and implement change initiatives.
• Present and facilitate group discussions.
• Work collaboratively with Ministry colleagues within the regional teams and across the organisation to support quality assurance.

We are looking for people who have:

• Knowledge and understanding of the New Zealand education system and relevant legislation.
• An understanding of the relationship between policy intent and the range and combination of tools available for implementing new initiatives.
• An understanding of working with iwi, Māori and Pacific communities.
• Applicants must also have a full driver licence as travel will be required.

Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi? | Are you ready to make a difference?

We need to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, orientations, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to building racial equity and excellence in the education sector. We provide flexible working environments where everyone feels relevant, valued and supported.

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, your whakapapa
• your interest and motivations for this role
• the abilities, strengths, personal attributes and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation.