School Improvement Peer - 12 mths Secondment at Education Review Office, Auckland / Wellington / Christchurch

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō tēnei tūranga | About this role

Are you an experienced school leader with a strong track record of leading improvement? Would you like to use your practical knowledge of what works in schools to support better outcomes for learners across Aotearoa New Zealand?

The Education Review Office is seeking expressions of interest for 12 mth fixed-term secondment opportunities within Review and Improvement Schools. These roles will support ERO's work with Schools of Concern and Schools of Serious Concern, bringing a successful school leadership perspective into diagnostic reviews, progress engagements and improvement planning.

This is a unique opportunity to step into a national evaluation environment, deepen your understanding of ERO's methodology and statutory role, and contribute to work that supports clearer diagnosis, stronger improvement priorities, disciplined implementation and better evidence of impact.

As a School Improvement Peer, you will work alongside ERO evaluators, managers and schools to strengthen professional discussion, evidence gathering, analysis and progress monitoring. You will bring the practical insight of a successful school leader to complex improvement contexts, helping test whether improvement plans are realistic, coherent, sufficiently resourced and likely to make a difference for learners.

This is not a decision-making, regulatory or school-support delivery role. ERO retains responsibility for evaluative judgements, statutory decisions, reporting, escalation and notifications. Your contribution will be to add practitioner expertise, constructive challenge and improvement-focused insight to support schools facing challenges.

In this role, you will be:

• supporting rapid diagnostic, deep-dive reviews and online or onsite progress engagements
• helping evaluators analyse school data, review evidence and identify the highest-leverage causes of concern
• contributing to clear lines of inquiry focused on learner success, attendance, wellbeing, leadership, governance, curriculum, teaching quality, assessment and learning
• reviewing improvement plans to ensure they are specific, sequenced, resourced, deliverable and focused on impact
• checking whether agreed actions are visible in leadership routines, teaching practice, assessment use, attendance responses, governance oversight and learner outcomes
• supporting disciplined 90-day improvement cycles through milestones, evidence expectations and monitoring rhythms
• contributing practitioner insight to progress summaries, reporting, quality assurance and system-level insights
• helping ERO maintain a no-surprises approach to risk, escalation, communication and transparent expectations.

You'll work collaboratively with ERO colleagues and with school leaders, boards, statutory appointees, the Ministry of Education and other system partners. The focus will always be on strengthening improvement, maintaining professional boundaries and supporting better outcomes for ākonga.

Mōhou ake | About you

To succeed in this role, you'll bring:

• successful senior leadership experience in a New Zealand school, kura or relevant education setting
• credibility in leading sustained improvement in complex school contexts
• strong knowledge of curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, attendance, wellbeing and the needs of diverse learners
• confidence using qualitative and quantitative evidence to understand performance, progress and impact
• sound judgement, discretion and professionalism in complex or sensitive situations
• the ability to build trust quickly while providing respectful constructive challenge
• strong facilitation, communication, writing and relationship skills
• a commitment to equity, Te Tiriti-informed practice, cultural responsiveness and improved outcomes for all learners
• the ability to work under pressure, manage competing demands and maintain high-quality work.

Why join us?

At ERO, your experience will help inform work that matters nationally. You'll be part of a professional, collaborative environment focused on evidence, improvement and equity, with the opportunity to contribute to stronger outcomes for learners and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

If you're curious, analytical, relationship-focused and passionate about improving outcomes for learners, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now and help strengthen quality, safety and success across New Zealand's education system.

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 human.resources@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 18 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.