Principal Evaluatorat Ministry of Education -
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 Fixed
-term contract or a Government inter-agency secondment Through to 24 December 2026 We have an exciting opportunity available for an evaluation professional who is passionate about educational outcomes.The Principal Evaluator reports to the Manager, Evaluation & Research in the Data & Insights group within Te Pou Kōrero |Digital and Data.
In this role you will provide leadership and guidance in evaluation design, coordination of evaluation activities, and build evaluation capability across the Ministry to support using high-performing data and evidence to inform decision-making against the Education Priorities.
You will promote the effective use of evidence so that the Ministry, education sector, parents, whānau, and communities can put their efforts in the right place, in the right way, at the right time, to enable learners to succeed.This is a fixed-term (until 24 December 2026), full-time role, based in Wellington.
Consideration will be given to flexible work arrangements outside of Wellington.
Salary range: $118,371
- $143,760 per annum + 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 want to hear from you if you are passionate about research and evaluation and want to make a difference for ākonga and whānau.
You will also offer: Experience in evaluation and research methodologies, such as survey design and analysis and qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, including methodologies appropriate to kaupapa Māori and Pacific Island contexts.
Excellent written and oral communication and engagement skills, including negotiation and facilitation, applied across a range of cultural contexts.Experience in Social Investment and Value for Money evaluation and analysis approaches.
Knowledge and understanding of relevant professional evaluation and research codes and standards and the ethical issues involved in releasing sensitive information to the Public.
The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake The Evaluation and Research Team serves a strategic and governance function for Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga | the Ministry of Education to guide best practice in evaluative thinking, design, evidence gathering, and synthesis.
The team works to ensure that the Ministry is prioritising evaluation to determine what works, why, and for whom and sets standardised approaches to evaluation to inform improved investment and research decisions.The Evaluation & Research Team is part of Te Pou Kōrero | Digital and Data.
Te Pou Kōrero sets the digital and data direction that enables a modern, efficient and seamless experience for those interacting with education services.
We will offer you: A supportive, collaborative, and encouraging team.
Flexible working arrangements where everyone feels valued and supported.An inclusive environment which encourages your personal cultural and competency journeys.
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 Claudia Recker, Manager, Evaluation & Research at Claudia.recker@education.govt.nz Applications close: Midnight
- Sunday, 19th April 2026.
If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.