Senior Adviser - Education Sector

Job Description

• Location: Anywhere in Aotearoa (with occasional travel to Wellington)
• Work Type: Full-time | Permanent

Mō te tūranga | About the Role

Champion kaupapa Māori design and lead Te Tiriti-based transformation in education.

Our client, a leading public sector organisation, is seeking a culturally confident and strategically minded Senior Adviser to join their team who is dedicated to reshaping education services through authentic Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnerships. They focus on designing from the outset to give effect to Te Tiriti and support iwi and Māori to create and own their own solutions. They use kaupapa Māori methodology and perspectives to shape and drive design across priority areas in the education system. 

This role is ideal for someone proficient in te reo me ōna tikanga Māori and who is passionate about embedding kaupapa Māori approaches into service design. You’ll work alongside iwi and Māori to co-design initiatives that uplift ākonga and whānau, ensuring Māori success is central to the education system.

Ngā Kawenga Matua - Key Responsibilities

• Providing high-quality design advice that supports iwi and Māori tino rangatiratanga in education.
• Leading and contributing to frameworks, tools, and new ways of working that give practical effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Mobilising iwi co-designed initiatives across permanent and flexible teams.
• Preparing operational papers, business cases, and project plans.
• Mentoring and coaching colleagues to build capability in kaupapa Māori design.
• Using data and insights to inform evidence-based decisions and monitor progress.
• Supporting the development of culturally grounded communications, policies, and processes.
• Contributing to working groups and cross-functional teams to deliver strategic outcomes.

Ko tāu nā i tēnei tūranga | What you’ll bring to the role

• Fluency in te reo me ōna tikanga.
• Proven experience in service design, ideally using human-centred and kaupapa Māori approaches (not necessarily within the education sector).
• Strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in public sector contexts.
• Excellent relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience working in complex organisations and leading collaborative initiatives.
• A relevant tertiary qualification (postgraduate preferred) or equivalent practical experience.
• Ability to work at pace, manage competing priorities, and deliver high-quality outputs.

This is more than an advisory role; it’s a chance to lead and help shape a future where Māori educational success is designed by and for Māori. 

Tono Mai - To apply, or to enquire further in confidence, email your updated CV and covering letter through to heather@manarecruitment.co.nz 

Applications close: Due to the urgency of the role, we will process each tono as they are submitted.