Principal Advisor Quality Assurance Division

Whakatairangatia ngā kete o te mātauranga ki te ao mārama

E te tai whakarunga, e te tai whakararo - nau piki mai, nau kake mai ki te Mana Tohu Mātauranga o Aotearoa.

May the baskets of knowledge be brought into the world of light. We welcome one and all to join us at the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

Mō tēnei tūranga | About the role

The Quality Assurance Division (QAD) at NZQA plays a vital role in ensuring the integrity and quality of non-university qualifications and programmes across Aotearoa. We're focused on learner wellbeing, system performance, and the capability of tertiary education organisations.

We're excited to offer a newly established opportunity for a Principal Advisor to the Deputy Chief Executive (DCE), QAD. As a member of the QAD management group, this role is central to leading strategic initiatives, driving performance, and supporting high-impact decision-making.

You'll bring strong communication and writing skills to ensure our planning, reporting, and delivery are aligned with NZQA's strategic direction. You'll also be a trusted advisor to the DCE, providing insight and support across a range of organisational and operational matters.

This is a role with reach and influence. You'll be a connector across the division, modelling our values and leadership behaviours, and helping shape the culture of QAD. To thrive here, you'll need a strategic mindset, a broad understanding of the public sector, and the ability to navigate complex issues with confidence and clarity.

Mōu | Who you are

You're a strategic advisor with a deep understanding of the public sector, government processes, and the education system. You're driven by a commitment to better outcomes for ākonga (learners) and bring a strong sense of purpose to your work.

You can quickly come up to speed with the importance of quality assurance and system performance. You're a thought leader, who's not afraid to roll your sleeves up on adhoc or urgent tasks to support the DCE, the Strategic leadership team, the Board and sometimes, Ministers

You're quick to grasp complex issues, and you know how to navigate ambiguity with confidence and clarity.

You bring political nous, sound judgement, and a collaborative mindset. You're experienced in providing high-quality advice on strategic, organisational and operational matters, and you know how to support senior leaders to make informed decisions. You're someone who builds trust quickly, communicates with clarity, and knows how to bring people together to solve problems and deliver results.

Ko tāu nā i tēnei tūranga | What you'll bring to the role

We're looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Extensive experience in strategic advisory roles within the public sector, including policy, service delivery, Crown entities, parliamentary processes and Ministerial engagement.
• Proven ability to provide high-level advice and insights on complex issues, with a strong understanding of NZQA's operating environment and strategic priorities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distil complex information into clear, actionable advice for a range of audiences.
• Experience in developing and delivering integrated communications strategies and managing responses to high-risk or sensitive issues.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to influence across multiple levels, including senior leaders, Ministers' offices, and external agencies.
• A proactive mindset, with a focus on continuous improvement, quality, and cross-divisional collaboration.
• Confidence in navigating ambiguity, managing competing priorities, and supporting the DCE with planning, reporting and strategic engagement.
• A thorough understanding of the Machinery of Government, planning cycles, and performance reporting requirements.
• A strong commitment to enabling better educational outcomes and to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in your leadership practice.

Ngā Painga o NZQA | Why Choose NZQA

We walk alongside other government agencies, as one cornerstone of New Zealand's education system. We manage the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework, oversee secondary school assessments, and ensure our qualifications are credible and respected both here and overseas.

We're a dynamic Crown entity with a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to excellence. We offer tailored professional development for our leadership team, and we're proud to foster an inclusive, respectful workplace that reflects the communities we serve.

Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply

Apply online with your CV and a covering letter. If you're already an NZQA employee, please apply using your NZQA email login.

We'll be reviewing applications as they come in, so we encourage you to apply early.

NZQA is committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone who meets the requirements of the role. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at

Applications close: 23 November 2025