Principal Advisor

We have an exciting 12-month fixed term opportunity in Evaluation and Policy for a Principal Advisor to be the voice of the Education Review Office (ERO) in shaping policy decisions across Government. 

About ERO

ERO reviews schools and services and evaluates the performance of the education system and the effectiveness of programmes and interventions.  In doing so, we shine a light on good practice and relentlessly focus on, and achieve, real-world impacts. Our work doesn't ‘sit on a shelf'; it gets to the decision-makers and into the world, and the Principal Advisor plays a key role in making this happen.

Our work helps those in the education system to:

• understand the performance and quality of education in New Zealand
• develop the evidence base about what works to improve learning outcomes for all students
• support education system reform, and evidence informed decision making and improvement in practice
• reflect and integrate a te ao Māori worldview in the creation, implementation and dissemination of knowledge found through research and evaluation.

This means that we have valuable evidence, insights and recommendations that shape and support policy change across the education system.

Mō tēnei tūranga | About this role

This role is responsible for ensuring ERO's insights from schools, expertise and findings help shape policy decisions relating to the education system. 

This role has two key functions.  The first is to bring a policy lens to the national evaluations.  This involves understanding the current policy environment as relevant to our evaluation topics, guiding the creation of evidence-based and meaningful recommendations and supporting those recommendations to be translated into policy change.  To do this, you will engage with policy teams across the Ministry of Education and across Government.

The second key function of the role is to provide advice to Ministers and the Ministry of Education about aspects of ERO's work, including our contribution to Government priorities, and play a key role in ensuring ERO delivers on commitments to Ministers and responds to policy change across the system.  To do this, you will build strong relationships internally and understand ERO's priorities.

At ERO, we are a supportive and friendly team with diverse experience and backgrounds, who are motivated and engaged in our work.  You will report to the Director Engagement and Impacts and work closely with the Deputy Chief Executive and other senior leaders.

See our website www.evidence.ero.govt.nz to better understand our work.

This is an office-based role, in central Wellington.

Mōhou ake | About you

We want to hear from you if you have:

• Extensive senior or principal‑level experience in policy or a comparable advisory field, with a track record of providing high‑quality advice to Ministers and senior leaders.
• Excellent written communication skills and ability to produce concise, compelling briefings, papers, and reports.
• Excellent relationship management skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Strong machinery of Government knowledge and experience
• Outstanding judgement and a problem-solving approach
• An action-oriented approach to delivery and the ability to work across multiple policy areas simultaneously
• A pragmatic approach that balances high quality products with timely delivery that meets the need of a variety of audiences.
• An ability to be self-motivated, resilient and responsive to a fast-paced and at time ambiguous policy environment

An understanding of policy issues in the education sector is desirable.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

If this role interests you, click on the "Apply for this job" button. A position description is also available for you to view on this page. We encourage you to be your authentic self in your application. We are truly committed to diversity, inclusion and lifting our cultural capability.

If you would like further information about the role, reach out to [email protected] for a chat.

If you apply for this role you will be contacted about the next steps following the closing date.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 8 April 2026, however we will review applications as they arrive.

Please let us know in your application if you require any assistance from us during the process.