Senior Advisor x2

Senior Advisor – Early Learning (Te Pae Aronui – Network & Regulatory)

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

As a Senior Advisor within Te Pae Aronui – Network & Regulatory at the Ministry of Education, you’ll play a key role in shaping and delivering initiatives that strengthen early learning participation and quality for children aged 0–6 years. These positions are based in Wellington and are fixed term for 12 months. You’ll work collaboratively with internal teams and sector stakeholders to design and implement innovative solutions and improve processes. Your work will ensure our front‑line licensing staff have access to the knowledge and insights they need to thrive and meet the needs of our diverse communities.

Salary and Contract

Salary range : $85,225 to $103,071 per annum + 3% KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

About you

You’re an experienced advisor who thrives in a dynamic environment and is passionate about improving outcomes for children in early learning. You bring strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to influence and collaborate across diverse teams and stakeholders. You’re confident working independently while contributing to a high‑performing team, and you have a knack for turning complex information into clear, actionable insights and training material for end users.

You will also bring

• Ability to work independently and within a team environment
• Experience managing multiple priorities under pressure, your own tasks and competing ad‑hoc demands for resources and support
• Experience translating complex regulatory and policy information into user‑friendly formats and / or understanding of early childhood education legislation and operational frameworks (or ability to quickly develop this knowledge)
• Proven ability to produce clear, high‑quality written material and advice
• Strong analysis, problem‑solving skills and initiative
• Proven experience implementing policy working with complex concepts
• A continuous improvement mindset, willing to adopt new ideas and constructively challenge existing data, information, system and processes
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

You will be joining a small team of people who have a can‑do attitude and passion for implementing good regulatory practice. The team are a mixture of Wellington and remote workers and there is the opportunity for flexible working.

About our group and team

The Early Learning Operations team has oversight of the licensing of 5,000 early learning services and kōhanga reo in New Zealand. A key function of our work is in ensuring that the regulations are well understood and that early learning services know what is expected of them to comply with the regulatory framework to ensure New Zealand’s youngest group of learners thrive.

Application information

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 close - Midnight Sunday 30 November 2025.

For further information, please contact Shona Humphrey, Manager, Early Learning Operations at

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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