Principal Advisor Operational Policy and Guidance

Te Tari Arotake Mātauranga | Education Review Office (ERO) are dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion, health, and wellbeing. We welcome every gender, ethnicity, ability, religion, age, and background and encourage all our people to be their authentic selves. Flexible by default, balance life and work commitments Develop and grow your career through coaching, training and development Contribute to meaningful work that makes a difference to children, whānau and early learning services across Aotearoa New Zealand Work alongside experienced regulatory, policy, legal and education professionals Help shape a new regulatory function within ERO Mō tēnei tūranga | About this role This role is permanent and based in Wellington or Auckland. Reporting to the Manager Licensing and Guidance, your focus will be providing strategic leadership for the development, implementation and continuous improvement of operational policy, regulatory guidance and decision‑making frameworks across ERO's regulatory functions.You'll work across licensing, certification, complaints, investigations and enforcement activities to ensure regulatory intent is translated into practical, consistent and effective operational practice. You will provide specialist expertise, thought leadership and strategic advice to senior leaders on emerging regulatory issues, complex risks and operational policy matters.The key focus for this role will be leading the development of guidance, frameworks, methodologies and quality assurance processes that strengthen consistency, transparency and evidence‑based regulatory practice across ERO's Early Childhood Education regulatory function.You will also play an important role in building organisational capability, influencing regulatory policy development, and fostering trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders across government and the education sector. Mōhou ake | About you We want to hear about any of the following in your cover letter and CV: Significant experience in operational policy, regulation, compliance, investigations or senior advisory leadership roles. Experience translating legislation, regulatory frameworks and government policy into clear, practical operational guidance. Examples of leading complex, high-risk or organisation-wide pieces of work. Strong understanding of regulatory systems, risk management and evidence‑based decision making within different cultural contexts. Exceptional analytical, problem‑solving and written communication skills, including preparing high‑level advice, briefings and reports. Experience influencing senior leaders and building trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Experience coaching, mentoring or building capability in others. Knowledge and experience of giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi within operational policy and regulatory contexts. Experience working within government, regulatory or public sector environments. Knowledge of the education sector would be an advantage. Ko mātou | About Us Te Tari Arotake Mātauranga | Education Review Office (ERO) is the government's education evaluation agency - we inform and facilitate improvement in early learning services, schools and kura. We promote a stronger, more equitable education system. We believe equity and excellence in outcomes is possible for all learners when the mahi centres on the child, the heart of the matter - Ko te tamaiti te pūtake o te kaupapa. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr