Locations: Auckland, Gisborne, Christchurch and New Plymouth

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

5 permanent, full time position available
Flexible locations
Work from where you live - we serve schools all over Aotearoa

As a Senior Advisor within Special Projects, you’ll work with a national team who support a range of programmes and services that support ākonga (student) wellbeing including the Ka Ora, Ka Ako | Healthy School Lunches programme, the ECE Food programme, and Ikura |Manaakita te whare tangata, period products in schools.

We’re here to feed the kids! As a Senior Advisor supporting the Ka Ora, Ka Ako | Healthy School Lunches programme, you’ll play a key part in providing specialist support to schools, kura, suppliers and partners within your region, ensuring tamariki receive a nutritious lunch each school day.

Our team is made up of people from a wide variety of backgrounds, including nutritionists and dieticians, chefs and food business operators, people with strong relationship and contract management experience, and people who know our education sector well. All of these skillsets create an effective mutli-disiplinary team, so if you have expertise in any of these areas, we would love to hear from you.

The Ka Ora, Ka Ako | Healthy School Lunches programme facilitates the provision of lunches to eligible schools via four provision models; Internal, Iwi Hapū, External, and the Alternative Provision model.

Salary range: $84,425 - $102,271 per annum + 3% 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

We’re looking for people who want to make a positive difference for ākonga, and who are passionate about helping our tamariki engage and thrive in education. You’ll champion the Ka Ora, Ka Ako | Healthy School Lunches programme in all interactions, and support the programmes outcomes through quality advice and guidance.

To be successful in the role, you’ll be working collaboratively with key stakeholders and partners, and providing specialist advice to support the development of the programme. You’ll act proactively to ensure suppliers are complying with contractual standards and schools and kura are upholding their roles and responsibilities to make the programme a success.

This is a faced paced, hands on role that will require regular travel and engagement within your region.

To be successful in this role you will have experience in the following:

A sound understanding of contract management and supplier agreements
Demonstrated experience in managing multiple stakeholders concurrently
Strong relationship management and the ability to manage and navigate difficult conversations
The ability to positively influence outcomes at a senior level
An understanding of the food service industry, including food safety and kitchen management
A sound understand of the machinery of government and service provision within the public sector
Excellent time management and ability to prioritise large workloads
Experience in working with iwi and hapū and a strong understanding of Te Reo Māori and tikanga Māori
A nutrition or dietetics qualification and professional registration
Experience managing a food business including financial and kitchen management and menu design and costing
Understanding of the Food Act 2014 and the practical application of this to food services
Understanding of the Education Sector, especially schools
The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

The Ka Ora, Ka Ako | Healthy School Lunches programme offers you the chance to work closely with schools, kura, suppliers and partners within your region to make a real difference to ākonga on a daily basis. No day is the same, so you’ll need to be agile and able to pivot quickly. It’s an important job with lots to learn but you’ll be supported in your growth and development through full training and mentoring.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Pae Aronui provides integrated operational support to our regions for their work with the education sector and others to deliver inclusive education that meets the needs of ākonga and whanau.

The Special Projects team ensures ākonga are fed to support their engagement in learning. The Ka ora, Ka Ako Healthy School Lunches programme provides healthy school lunches to eligible schools and kura around the motu.

Our team cover the country, from Northland to the deep South. You’ll work alongside other Senior Advisors, multiple provision models, and be led by three awesome Service Delivery Managers. You’ll be joining a team that enjoys a laugh, while working hard to provide better outcomes for ākonga.

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 email mined.recruitment@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Sunday, 13 July 2025

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.

Senior Advisor, Special Projects jobs

Senior Advisor, Special Projects - Multiple Locations