Senior Advisor - Special Projects

OverviewDate advertised : 26 Sept 2025Job Type : PermanentLocation : Christchurch, NZHelp 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

This role is a part-time role.

We're looking for someone to work between 24 and 30 hours per week.

Responsibilities

As a Senior Advisor within Special Projects, you'll work with a national team who support a range of programmes and services that support akonga (student) wellbeing including the Ka Ora, Ka Ako | Healthy School Lunches programme, the ECE Food programme, and Ikura | Manaakita te whare tangata, period products in schools.

You'll play a key part in providing specialist support to schools, kura, suppliers and partners within the Canterbury region, ensuring tamariki receive a nutritious lunch each school day.

You'll be involved in the delivery and support of the programme and related services.

Our team is made up of people from a wide variety of backgrounds, including chefs and food business operators, people with strong relationship and contract management experience, and people who know our education sector well.

If you have a nutrition or dietetics qualification, and / or expertise in any of these areas, we would love to hear from you.

Salary and Benefits

Salary range : $85,225 - $103,071 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 the Job Description here.

About you | Mohou ake

We're looking for people who want to make a positive difference for akonga, and who are passionate about helping our tamariki engage and thrive in education.

You'll champion the Ka Ora, Ka Ako | Healthy School Lunches programme in all interactions, and support the programme outcomes through quality advice and guidance.

To be successful in the role, you'll be working collaboratively with key stakeholders and partners, and providing specialist advice to support the development of the programme.

You'll act proactively to ensure suppliers are complying with contractual standards and schools and kura are upholding their roles and responsibilities to make the programme a success.

This is a fast-paced, hands-on role that will require regular travel and engagement with schools in the wider Canterbury region.

A nutrition or dietetics qualification and professional registration is preferred; however we would be willing to consider candidates who have other strengths related to relationship management, conflict resolution and / or food business management.

To be successful you will have demonstrated experience across 5 or more of the following :

Demonstrated experience in managing multiple stakeholders concurrently

Strong relationship management and the ability to manage and navigate difficult conversations

The ability to positively influence outcomes at a senior level

An understanding of the food service industry, including food safety and kitchen management

A sound understanding of the machinery of government and service provision within the public sector

Excellent time management and ability to prioritise large workloads

Experience in working with iwi and hapu and a strong understanding of Te Reo Maori and tikanga Maori

Experience managing a food business including financial and kitchen management and menu design and costing

Understanding of the Education Sector, especially schools

A sound understanding of contract management and supplier agreements

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

Nutrition experience in a public health or food service setting

Team and Organisation

The Ka Ora, Ka Ako | Healthy School Lunches programme offers you the chance to work closely with schools, kura, suppliers and partners within your region to make a real difference to akonga on a daily basis.

No day is the same, so you'll need to be agile and able to pivot quickly.

It's an important job with lots to learn but you'll be supported in your growth and development through full training and mentoring.

About our group and team | Matau ropu ake

Te Pae Aronui provides integrated operational support to our regions for their work with the education sector and others to deliver inclusive education that meets the needs of akonga and whanau.

The Special Projects team ensures akonga are fed to support their engagement in learning.

The Ka Ora, Ka Ako Healthy School Lunches programme provides healthy school lunches to eligible schools and kura around the motu.

Our team cover the country, from Northland to the deep South.

You'll work alongside other Senior Advisors, multiple provision models, and be led by three Service Delivery Managers.

You'll be joining a team that enjoys a laugh, while working hard to provide better outcomes for akonga.

Application process

Are you ready to make a difference?

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.

Applications with no cover letter will not be considered.

For further information, please contact Jasmin Jackson, Service Delivery Manager :

Applications close Midnight – Wednesday 22 October.

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.

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