Curriculum Adviser

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand

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 ākonga in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

We have a permanent full-time Curriculum Adviser – Senior Secondary role at our Hamilton, Waikato office.

The Curriculum Adviser, Senior Secondary is responsible for supporting kura and schools on the development of high-quality teaching and learning programmes with a specific focus on Senior Secondary.

The mahi is grounded in an understanding of the Science of Learning and evidenced based practice, as well as principles of inclusive and accessible learning design that embraces and reflects diverse languages, culture, and identity of all learners.

This role makes use of a national implementation strategy and resources, alongside the new NCEA products, to tailor sector support activities to sector need. Support activities may need to be carried out across multiple subjects and learning areas.

You will report to and align your work with your regional office leader, as a member of the integrated services team. You will work collaboratively with integrated services team colleagues, the sector, and its leaders to ensure consistent and well-aligned implementation of the national curriculum changes and NCEA in schools and kura across Aotearoa New Zealand. The role engages with the Practice and Delivery Centre in Te Poutāhū who will support you with practice and pedagogy leadership. You will be expected to collaborate with other Curriculum Advisers, across the country.

Curriculum Advisers, Senior Secondary support teaching professionals to understand the new curriculum and NCEA design and products and how they are best implemented into specific local contexts, thereby helping their learners develop the competencies they need for study, work, and life-long learning.

Travel is required as part of the role, hence a valid full Driving Licence is required.

This is a specialist role within Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga | the Ministry of Education. As a specialist within the Ministry of Education, you will:

• Share specialist knowledge across the organisation and with stakeholders, working with others to inform operational level decision making.
• Contribute to an effective team with a positive approach to the work environment that encourages and supports high performance, collaboration and problem solving.
• Implement National Office designed strategy, approaches, and resources to support schools and kura with curriculum change and in the use of the new NCEA qualification and associated Achievement Standards.
• Engage with stakeholders, especially school and kura leadership, kaiako and teachers in relation to Curricula change and the implementation of the new NCEA qualification and associated Achievement Standards.
• Identify stakeholder support needs and design appropriate implementation support services based on identified need, using implementation strategy and resources as a basis,
• Deliver support services to stakeholders, aligned with implementation strategy and resources and consistent with support services delivered by other Curriculum Advisers, Senior Secondary across the regions.
• Lead or contribute to the development and implementation of innovative and fit-for purpose solutions and frameworks for current and future challenges.
• Develop and use data and insights to make evidence-based decisions and recommendations on operational issues.
• Apply stakeholder profiles to support them through a change management process based on ADKAR model.
• Make decisions in accordance with the Ministry’s policies and delegations framework.

Salary range: $99,496 - $120,690 per annum + 3% kiwi saver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

For details about the role you can view the Job Description here

We also offer:

• Flexible working arrangements where everyone feels valued & supported.
• The ability to purchase extra days leave.
• A range of employee network groups.
• An inclusive environment that encourages your personal cultural competency journey.
• Development and learning, including mentorship programmes and internal secondments.
• Wellness initiatives to support your overall health and wellbeing.

About you | Mōhou ake

To be successful in the role of Curriculum Adviser – Senior Secondary, you will have the following Essential Qualifications, experience, and capabilities.

Essential Qualifications/ attributes:

• Secondary teaching qualification and middle management experience.

Experience and capabilities:

• Working in complex organisations, with robust knowledge and understanding of education contexts at a practical level.
• Comprehensive knowledge of The New Zealand Curriculum and/or Te Marautanga o Aotearoa across the pathway and at a senior secondary level
• A thorough understanding of the NCEA qualification.
• Experience facilitating groups with diverse participants.
• An understanding of matauranga Māori and Māori pedagogies.
• An understanding of Universal Design for Learning and/or design thinking as it relates to designing inclusive and accessible learning.
• An understanding of service design and change management.
• A track record of bringing people together and leading, coaching and mentoring others to achieve outcomes.
• A proven ability to use data and insights to identify trends, risks, and opportunities, to influence and guide organisational and system-level decision making.
• Passionate about equitable outcomes for Māori and can confidently apply Te Tiriti into their work. Proven use and promotion of culturally sustaining practice within education settings.

• The ability to adhere to thePublic Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Our team provides leadership and integrated services to the sector and others. This includes services such as learning support and education advice and regulation functions for schools and early learning services. 

As a frontline group we develop and harness existing relationships with communities at the regional and local level through the Directors of Education, including deep relationships with iwi and hapū. Our Directors of Education have the lead role and relationship with early learning, kōhanga, school and kura, and this means they will be across all the services we provide at a local level.

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.

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 Linda Collins on linda.collins@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – 4 December 2024

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.