Principal Advisor

Job Type : Permanent

Location : Wellington, NZ

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

• Permanent, fulltime
• Wellington-based

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for education and system-wide impact? Do you thrive in complex environments where collaboration, innovation, and integration are key to success?

We're looking for a Principal Adviser to join our Planning, Outcomes and Impacts team within Curriculum Integration Services (CIS) – a group at the heart of Te Poutahu (Curriculum Centre), driving alignment and strategic delivery across the education sector.

As Principal Adviser, you'll provide thought leadership and shape the frameworks, systems and processes that ensure Te Poutahu's curriculum products and services are effective, integrated, and responsive to the needs of teachers, kaiako, tumuaki, akonga and whanau.

You will :

Salary range : $119,171 - $144,560 per annum + 3% KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

About you | Mohou ake

You're a strategic thinker who thrives in complexity and is passionate about making a real difference in education. In this Principal Adviser role, you'll bring your leadership, systems thinking and ability to connect the dots across programmes to help shape curriculum delivery that truly works for akonga, whanau, and the sector. You'll be confident navigating change, influencing outcomes, and driving continuous improvement across Te Poutahu.

You will also offer :

This is your opportunity to influence the future of education in Aotearoa. You'll be part of a passionate team working at the intersection of curriculum, assessment and sector delivery – helping shape the tools and resources that support teaching and learning nationwide.

About our group and team | Matau ropu ake

The purpose of Te Poutahu 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, akonga, their whanau 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 NCEA. Our strengths are across te reo Maori, matauranga Maori, disability, inclusive learning support and culturally relevant content so that Te Mahau supports learning that is inclusive for all akonga.

We support the people who are closest to, and directly serve, akonga and whanau. We do this through Te Mahau where we connect with the sector, working collaboratively to identify priorities and design local solutions.

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 Ronnie Harvey, Senior Advisor at

Applications close Midnight – Sunday, 7 December

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.