Senior Learning Designer

• Opportunity to contribute to an exciting and ambitious programme of work responding to recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State Care
• 12 months Fixed term or Secondment role
• Band 17: midpoint $117,782
• Flexible Location

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Mō te tūnga** | About the role**

We are looking for a Senior Learning Designer to join our Safe Care Response Programme This work is being led across the Chief Social Worker and Professional Practice and Tamariki and Whānau Services groups at Oranga Tamariki. We have created a collaborative environment that delivers meaningful outcomes and are committed to developing solutions by working across Oranga Tamariki services and partners, being informed by our front-line expertise and experience and taking a flexible and iterative approach to design and implementation.

This role will enable you to bring your specialist knowledge and experience of adult learning to a meaningful programme of work to ensure tamariki and rangatahi will be safe, supported and receive tailored care, no matter where they are in the care system.

You will provide specialised advice in learning design to translate capability requirements into detailed learning strategies, programmes and plans across Care placements, such as community homes, as well as for frontline kaimahi and the wider caregiving community.

This role will have a specific focus on:

• Providing thought leadership, project management and/or subject matter expertise into the design of initiatives and solutions that build the capability of those who provide Care.
• Translating capability needs and requirements into best practice advice on the appropriate approach, methodology or channel.
• Guiding and providing quality assurance for the development of learning materials.
• Evaluating the efficacy of what has been designed and making changes as part of a continuous improvement approach.
• Ensuring learning material is well integrated into the Oranga Tamariki Learning Management System.

This is a 12-month fixed term or secondment role.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

We are particularly interested in people with strengths and experience in these areas:

• Strong child centred perspective and an enduring focus on improving outcomes for New Zealand's most vulnerable children
• Ability to innovate and actively seek out ways of doing things differently by looking across and outside the organisation
• Up to date knowledge of theory and good practice in areas of learning and development in adult learning
• Knowledge of Ako Māori – Māori teaching and learning theories
• Understanding and commitment to professional practice that is drawn from Te Ao Māori principles of oranga and an appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture
• Knowledge and/or experience of contemporary issues in social services delivery and proposed responses to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State Care.
• Creating safe and inclusive learning environments for all participants regardless of their individual background, religious beliefs, cultural considerations or gender.
• Understanding of large organisation dynamics including geographically distributed staff
• Experience in a public sector organisation in a role requiring consultation, communication, and relationship management skills,

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Our Secondment Policy will be adhered to when determining remuneration.

We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. A strong cover letter should complement your CV by telling a compelling story about why you're the right fit for the role, why you want the role, why Oranga Tamariki and to and what you bring.

If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

If you have any questions about role, please contact

Hurry as applications for this role close at midnight on Friday 28 November 2025.

However, we will be reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to this date, so apply now

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.