EDUCATION REVIEW OFFICE
POSITION STATEMENT
Position:
Senior Adviser (Pacific Education focus)
Reports to:
National Manager Evaluation Services
Location:
Wellington
Date:
February 2012
Education Review Office
The purpose of the Education Review Office (ERO) is to provide high quality
evaluation that contributes to education of the highest quality for all young New
Zealanders.
ERO is responsible for supporting and promoting improvement in the quality of
education by providing regular, independent, high quality evaluation reports on
the quality of education in all schools, all early childhood centres, and all other
forms of pre-tertiary education in New Zealand. The work of ERO contributes
to a shared outcomes framework across the education sector.
ERO’s key strategic and business objective is to inform decisions and choices
made by parents, educators, managers and others, at the individual school and
early childhood level and at the national level by government policy makers.
Group Context
The Evaluation Services Unit is responsible for the delivery of a programme of
national education evaluations reports and contracts which are either publicly
reported or used as part of ERO’s contribution to the development of policy in
education. The unit comprises the National Manager Evaluation Services, a
Manager Evaluation Services, methodology project managers, evaluators, analysts
and support staff. Its functions are: the design and administration of evaluation
methodologies; provision of policy information; and the production of national and
contract evaluations.
The Senior Adviser will be based in the National Office and will report to the
National Manager Evaluation Services.
Moana Pasefika is a professional forum within ERO for Pasefika review officers
and Evaluation Services evaluators. All ERO staff who have Pasefika ethnicity
are members of ERO’s fono Pasefika.
ERO: Position Statement – Senior Adviser (Pacific Education Focus)
February 2012
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Role Purpose
The Senior Adviser is responsible for providing advice to inform ERO’s work in
evaluating the quality of education and care provided for Pasefika students and
children. This role should be performed in a manner that appropriately manages
ERO’s risks and reputation with staff and external stakeholders and complies with all
legal and service level obligations.
The purpose of the adviser’s job is to:
 ensure that ERO’s focus for Pacific education is maintained on high
priority topical matters
 ensure that ERO’s national evaluations on Pacific education issues are
grounded in current research and reflect topical priorities
 provide leadership to other ERO staff in matters related to Pacific education
 maintain strong constructive working relationships with other agencies such
as the Ministry of Education so that ERO makes a valuable contribution to
improving outcomes for Pacific students and children
 contribute as necessary to ERO’s strategic and operational planning related
to ERO’s and the Government’s priorities for Pasefika education
 contribute a Pacific perspective to national evaluation, methodology and
policy work undertaken by ERO.
Key Accountabilities
Policy Advice with a focus on Pacific issues
The Senior Adviser will:
 contribute to the thinking within ERO and with the education sector about
education and care issues for Pacific students and children
 lead or contribute to the production of high quality advice to the Chief
Review Officer and ERO senior managers and the Minister on policy issues
with a particular focus on Pacific education
 develop, plan and manage Pacific education related evaluation projects
(working with Evaluation Services team members)
 contribute to national evaluation and methodology projects as appropriate
 apply advanced analytical skills and tools in the development of advice
 analyse qualitative and quantitative information from ERO’s individual
institution and national evaluations to identify patterns, trends and
emerging issues
 keep up to date and aware of emerging education and relevant social policy
issues for Pasefika peoples in the pre-tertiary education sector
 undertake research and information gathering associated with the provision
of advice, and the development of evaluation methodologies
ERO: Position Statement – Senior Adviser (Pacific Education Focus)
February 2012
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 participate in the development of policies with other Government agencies,
including ensuring that ERO’s views and evaluative knowledge is taken
into account
Success Indicators
The Senior Adviser will be successful when they:
 provide high quality and timely advice to internal and external stakeholders
 ensure ERO’s voice is taking heed of when education policy relevant to the
role is being developed
 complete national evaluations for which they are responsible to the required
standard and in a timely manner
 contribute effectively as a team member to national evaluations,
methodology and policy work undertaken by ERO.
Representing the interests of ERO externally
The Senior Adviser will:
 develop and maintain constructive and effective relationships and liaison
with those staff in other Government agencies who are responsible for
Pacific education
 communicate ERO’s key messages about its role and contribution to
Pasefika education to Pasefika education groups
 represent ERO’s interests at external fono as appropriate
 encourage the sharing of information across ERO and be aware of the need
to speak externally with one voice about ERO’s work and Government
policies and initiatives.
Success Indicators
The Senior Adviser will be successful when they:
 identify key stakeholders within Pasefika communities and education
groups
 consistently develop relationships and maintain contact with staff in other
Government agencies who are responsible for Pacific education
 ensure the cooperation needed to achieve desired results is achieved
 build relationships and trust so that it is possible to gain influence with key
stakeholders
 speak credibly when presenting and representing ERO, putting forward
convincing arguments and using a range of styles that best enable
stakeholders to understand the underlying issues
 ensure key Pasefika stakeholders clearly understand ERO’s role in
promoting successful outcomes for Pasefika students and children.
ERO: Position Statement – Senior Adviser (Pacific Education Focus)
February 2012
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Contributing to the wider work of ERO
The Senior Adviser will:
 attend the Operations, Design and Practice and Strategy Forums as
appropriate/required
 collaborate with the National Manager Evaluation Services, the Manager
Pasefika and other managers to implement ERO’s strategic intent and
annual priorities
 identify and manage organisational risks within ERO’s Risk and Assurance
Framework which are relevant to the role
 show leadership and collaborate with other ERO managers to identify
opportunities to strengthen policies and practice to underpin achievement of
ERO’s objectives for Pasefika students and children
 contribute any necessary input to strategic and operational planning ,
particularly but not exclusively related to ERO’s and the Government’s
priorities for Pasefika education
 ensure, where appropriate, that ERO’s operational policy development and
delivery reflects the needs of Pasefika peoples and staff
 show commitment to the implementation of ERO’s Māori strategy and
implementation plan, He Toa Takitini.
Success Indicators
The Senior Adviser will be successful when they:
 contribute effectively to forum discussions
 identify linkages with other relevant initiatives within and outside their area
of work
 Pasefika perspectives are included in relevant projects and initiatives.
Primary Working Relationships
The Senior Adviser will:
Within ERO
 be accountable to and report to the National Manager Evaluation Services
through the Manager Evaluation Services
 work with the Chief Review Officer, National Manager Evaluation Services,
National Managers Review Services and National Manager Corporate
Services and Manager Pasefika
 work cooperatively and collaboratively with Review Services Managers across
ERO
 work with other managers and staff of the Education Review Office as
appropriate
 work effectively as a member of the Evaluation Services team.
ERO: Position Statement – Senior Adviser (Pacific Education Focus)
February 2012
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External to ERO
 liaise with Pasefika education groups and any other audience relevant to the
work of ERO in relation to Pacific education.
Corporate Responsibilities
Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi), Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO)
Good Employer Principles
ERO recognises its responsibility to honour the Tiriti o Waitangi which affirms
and advances the principles of partnership between tangata whenua & tauiwi.
ERO is committed to the principles of being a 'Good Employer' as stated in the
State Sector Act 1988.
ERO is also committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunities.
Employees are required to have an understanding and commitment to the
principles of EEO as stated in the State Sector Act 1988.
The Senior Adviser will have:
 a good understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its implications for the work
of ERO, and an active commitment to ERO’s Treaty of Waitangi policy;
 an understanding and appreciation of the diverse social and cultural
backgrounds of staff and clients; and
 commitment to the issues of equity, to treating people fairly and with respect,
 commitment to integrating EEO and cultural sensitivity policies and practices
into ongoing operations and to applying and managing the application of other
Good Employer principles as set out in the State Sector Act 1988.
Health and Safety
All employees have a responsibility to work towards ensuring that the ERO’s
health and safety policy is effective, to keep themselves and others safe while at
work and to comply with ERO’s health and safety systems. This includes
practising safe work methods, proper use of safety equipment and the elimination
of workplace hazards.
ERO: Position Statement – Senior Adviser (Pacific Education Focus)
February 2012
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Person Specification
Qualifications
A relevant tertiary qualification is essential.
Knowledge, Experience and Skills
Technical Knowledge
The Senior Adviser will have:
 conversational proficiency in at least one Pacific language
 recent Public Service experience
 highly developed oral and written communication skills
 good skills in information technology
 effective leadership and collegial management skills
 the ability to coach and mentor
 proven organisational skills and the ability to work under pressure to meet
deadlines while maintaining high standards of accuracy
 a current full driver’s licence.
Professional Knowledge
The Senior Adviser will have:
 a knowledge of the New Zealand education system
 analytical skills and a knowledge of and ideally experience in evaluation
practice
 a sound and up-to-date appreciation of current political and public issues
 in-depth knowledge of and experience with Pasefika communities
 proven acumen in providing advice on Pasefika matters
 experience in project management.
Personal Attitudes and Attributes
The Senior Adviser will be able to:
 demonstrate professional commitment to the work of ERO, and to the
government of the day
 show commitment to and awareness of sensitive issues affecting the social and
cultural interests of staff and clients
 demonstrate a high level of integrity and sound judgement
 demonstrate high level relationship management and influencing skills
 develop and maintain strong productive working relationships with Pasefika
stakeholders which benefit all parties
 effectively manage difficult and complex working relationships with a wide
range of people
 be self motivated, to work both independently and in teams
 help create and sustain an inclusive work environment that embraces and
values diversity
ERO: Position Statement – Senior Adviser (Pacific Education Focus)
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February 2012
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show enthusiasm and commitment to assisting Pasefika peoples to meet their
educational aspirations
provide advice and guidance that is sensitive, appropriate and in a manner
likely to achieve effective outcomes/change
demonstrate personal motivation, initiative, adaptability and learning agility
demonstrate a commitment to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and to
achieving the aims of ERO’s Māori strategy, He Toa Takitini
understand the connections to ERO of the current issues in Pacific education
and education in general.
Competencies
The following role specific competencies are desirable for the Senior Adviser:
Can effectively cope with change; can shift gears comfortably; can decide
and act without having the total picture; isn't upset when things are up in
the air; doesn't have to finish things before moving on; can comfortably
handle risk and uncertainty.
Makes good decisions (without considering how much time it takes)
Decision Quality
based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment;
most of solutions and suggestions turn out to be correct and accurate
when judged over time; sought out by others for advice and solutions.
Organisational Agility Knowledgeable about how ERO works; knows how to get things done
both through formal channels and the informal network; understands the
origin and reasoning behind key policies, practices, and procedures;
understands the cultures of organisations.
Managing Vision and Able to inspire people to work toward a vision. Able to communicate the
vision and purpose of the organisation in a compelling enough way that
Purpose
the management team then rallies their individual teams to follow. The
ability to create this follow on effect will help to ensure the initiatives that
happen at frontline level are aligned to the vision and purpose of the
organisation as a whole.
This role will involve working with a variety of people within the
Political Savvy
organisation, at all levels. It is very important that the Senior Adviser not
only understands the needs of those people but that they can act
appropriately and be able to find the balance required to accommodate the
expectations of all parties.
Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and
Customer Focus
external customers; gets first-hand customer information and uses it for
improvements in products and services; acts with customers in mind;
establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and gains
their trust and respect.
Interpersonal Savvy Relates well to all kinds of people, up, down, and sideways, inside and
outside the organisation; builds appropriate rapport; builds constructive
and effective relationships; uses diplomacy and tact; can diffuse even
high-tension situations comfortably.
Hard deadlines with high stakes outcomes around projects mean that the
Drive for Results
Senior Adviser must be focused on leading their team to achieve quality
results in agreed timeframes.
Dealing with
Ambiguity
Copyright © 1992, 1996, 2001-2003 by Lominger Limited Inc. a Korn Ferry Company. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
These competencies are derived from the Leadership Architect ® Competency Sort Cards developed and copyrighted by Robert
W. Eichinger and Michael M. Lombardo for Lominger Limited, Inc.
ERO: Position Statement – Senior Adviser (Pacific Education Focus)
February 2012
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