Lead Advisor, Learning Design

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 | Mō tēnei tūranga

• Full time fixed-term or secondment opportunity until 30 June 2028
• Make a meaningful difference for learners across Aotearoa 

The Learning Design team is looking for a new Lead Advisor, Learning Design. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in te ao Māori, te reo Māori and Mātauranga Māori**.** The role is in the New Zealand Curriculum & Te Whāriki group within Te Poutāhū | Curriculum Centre.  

You will work in the learning design and collaborate closely with the curriculum design teams, our senior leadership team and wider group to lead the development of teaching and learning resources, and provide credible advice, insights and guidance on a range of initiatives.  

The role requires the following focus and capabilities:

• A strong understanding of The New Zealand Curriculum and the changes it is undergoing. Of particular interest is expertise in te ao Māori, te reo Māori and mātauranga Māori in the teaching of the New Zealand Curriculum.
• Development of educational resources, including working with commercial resource developers and working within government procurement processes
• Conceptual thinker who can translate, guide and develop frameworks and standards to support curriculum design with excellent resources and services to support teaching and learning.
• Work closely across teams to develop researched and evidence-based initiatives providing innovative solutions to current practices.
• Critical thinking with the ability to draw on various sources to help our senior leadership make informed decisions.
• An ability to lead development and research activity, manage change initiatives, support programme implementation, and ensure quality outcomes for all learners.
• Confidence to mentor, coach and build capability across the organisation.
• Aptitude to work flexibly across the work area and an ever-changing environment.
• Commitment to keeping up with changing educational landscapes as well as your own professional development.

Salary range: $100,296 - $121,490 per annum + 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 | Mōhou ake

We are looking for a Lead Advisor with the following capabilities: 

• Proven expertise and experience in te ao Māori, te reo Māori and mātauranga Māori, education, and curriculum, resource and assessment design.
• Expertise and experience in knowledge rich curriculum and the science of learning to support quality education outcomes.
• Strong stakeholder relationship management skills, including across education and government sectors.
• Excellent analytical skills including ability to lead and support the development and delivery of complex analysis, business cases and advice.  
• Possess excellent ministerial writing skills clear and professional written and verbal communication.
• A strong level of Industry knowledge which will allow for actionable insights advice and analysis.
• Ability to drive performance across multiple channels including review, implementation and assessment of policy and processes.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake 

The purpose of Te Poutāhū is to lead the national curricula for Aotearoa New Zealand and associated systems and processes of assessment and aromatawai.

We design, develop and provide curriculum services for teachers, kaiako, leaders, ākonga, their whānau and communities that reflect their identities, languages and cultures. We bring together curriculum, teaching expertise and evidence for the development, support and review of inclusive curricula, assessment and qualifications. 

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei 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 Matthias Sauberlich at matthias.sauberlich@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Sunday, 2 August 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.