Principal Advisor at Education Review Office, Auckland / Wellington / Christchurch

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Principal Advisor to the Deputy Chief Executive Regulation and Early Childhood Education

Mō tēnei tūranga | About this role

You will provide strategic and operational advice on the design and continuous improvement of licensing, review, complaints, incidents and enforcement processes across the ECE regulatory system. You will play a key role in shaping how these functions work together to deliver a coherent, effective and risk-based regulatory approach.

The role will involve analysing complex, precedent-setting or contentious cases, synthesising evidence and risk information, and supporting proportionate regulatory responses. You will also develop and refine decision-rights frameworks, escalation pathways and process maps that clarify roles between centralised teams, regional assurance, risk and legal/enforcement functions.

Working closely with the Deputy Chief Executive, senior leadership and external agencies, including the Ministry of Education, you will contribute to briefings, guidance and engagement on ECE regulatory settings and their impact.

Mōhou ake | About you

You'll be a highly experienced advisor with the credibility, judgement and influence to operate confidently in a senior public sector environment.

We want to hear about any of the following in your cover letter and CV:

• Significant experience in senior operational regulatory roles, with ECE regulatory experience beneficial
• Strategic advisory experience within the public sector, ideally in the social services or education regulatory context
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to work with complex, sensitive or contentious information
• Experience supporting risk-based, intelligence-led regulatory approaches
• Ability to translate complex legislation, policy and regulatory settings into clear, plain English advice
• Experience developing frameworks, escalation pathways, process maps, guidance or decision-support tools
• Sound judgement, critical thinking and effective decision-making based on evidence, analysis and experience
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to build trust with diverse internal and external stakeholders
• Confidence working with uncertainty, challenge and complexity while remaining respectful and professional
• Knowledge of the education sector and an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its implications for ERO's work

Ko mātou | About Us

At ERO, our work directly contributes to better educational outcomes for children and young people across Aotearoa.

You'll join a values-driven organisation that:

• Makes a meaningful difference for learners, whānau and communities.
• Supports flexible and modern ways of working.
• Encourages professional growth and continuous learning.
• Values diverse perspectives and inclusive leadership.
• Offers the opportunity to work on complex, high-profile issues that influence the future of early childhood education regulation

At ERO, we are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, health and wellbeing. We welcome people from all backgrounds and encourage everyone to bring their authentic selves to work.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

If you're ready to lead a high-performing regulatory team and make a real difference for tamariki across Aotearoa New Zealand, we'd love to hear from you.

Please click “Apply” to view the full position description and submit your application. We encourage you to bring your whole self to your application.

If you would like further information about the role, reach out to for a chat. For any other questions about the recruitment process, you can contact Virginia.Ng@ero.govt.nz.

We will be reviewing applications as they are received and may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible if you are interested in this position. Please let us know in your application if you require any assistance from us during the process. Applications will close on Sunday 11 October 2026. Check out our careers site to learn more about working at ERO.

Note to Recruitment Agencies: unsolicited CVs will not be accepted, do not contact the Hiring Manager directly, instead reach out to Human.Resources@ero.govt.nz

You must have the right to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand. Background and various pre-employment checks are part of our recruitment process.