Job Description
Job Title: Senior Advisor, Migrant and Refugee Support
Posting Start Date: 22/09/2026
Job Description:
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 | Mō tēnei tūranga This is a permanent full-time role. The Senior Advisor will support the development of the Ministry’s capability and responsiveness through the co-ordination and implementation of support initiatives for migrant and refugee background students, families and communities. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who has worked with migrants and former refugees in the education sector, to provide support in the Manawatu, Taranaki and other regions as required, as well as contributing to national initiatives. Salary range: $86,225 - $98,717 per annum plus KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience. For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here. About you | Mōhou ake In this role you will support early learning centres and schools in working to meet the needs of migrant and refugee background students and their families. You will work with senior school leaders to ensure access to quality education for migrant and refugee background children and young people. To be successful in the role, you’ll be working collaboratively with key internal and external stakeholders, developing relationships at senior levels. You will bring expertise in:
- building successful relationships and working with families and communities and other settlement related agencies
- understanding of the NZ education system, particularly the compulsory sector
- influencing and working with others to implement support initiatives
- solving complex problems and making decisions to deliver and implement effective services
- using your evaluative skills to work with data and information to improve educational achievement for all students
You will also offer:
- the ability to understand and apply the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- an understanding of the provision of learning supports in the New Zealand education system would be an advantage.
- The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy working on a diverse range of subject matter and have an inquiring mind, then we would like to hear from you. In return we will provide you with both a dynamic place to work and opportunities to further develop your skills and experience. About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake The Education Services Group provides well-designed, integrated education services that support the impactful and effective operation of education settings to support student achievement and participation. The services help to remove barriers to participation and learning and provide regulatory advice, support and oversight to early learning providers, schools and kura. The Group has three key priorities for Education Services:
- Practice & Guidance: Managing practice and guidance to improve national coordination and consistency, whilst enabling regional autonomy for education service delivery.
- Integration & Delivery: Providing education support directly to education settings via integrated regional and national services. This includes intervening when necessary to ensure a high standard of operation to support student outcomes and owning key stakeholder relationships to support schooling improvement and stronger outcomes for learners.
- Monitoring & Improvement: Monitoring and advising on improvements to the effectiveness, efficiency and equity of services for achievement and progression, and attendance and participation. This includes monitoring education provider performance against regulations and intervening as required.
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 Abdirizak Abdi, Team Leader Refugee and Migrant Education at abdirizak.abdi@education.govt.nz Applications close Midnight – Sunday, 4 October 2026. 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.
