Principal Advisor - Business Services at NZ Qualifications Authority, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Principal Advisor – Business Services

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.

NZQA helps ensure New Zealand qualifications are recognised and respected in Aotearoa and overseas, and that qualifications and credentials continue to meet the changing needs of learners. The Assessment Division is responsible for maintaining the integrity and consistency of assessment across NCEA, other New Zealand qualifications and New Zealand Scholarship.

We are seeking an accomplished senior adviser to join our Business Services team that supports Office of the Deputy Chief Executive Assessment.

This is a highly influential role at the centre of the Assessment Division. You will provide strategic advice to the Deputy Chief Executive Assessment and Strategic Assessment Leadership Team, lead complex machinery-of-government and governance work and help coordinate the division's response to significant and sensitive issues.

This is a permanent role based in Wellington.

Mō te tūranga | About the role

Reporting to the Manager Business Services, you will operate with a high degree of autonomy and provide expert advice on strategic and organisational matters affecting the Assessment Division. You will lead and quality assure advice and products for senior audiences, including the Strategic Leadership Team, NZQA Board and Ministers. You will also lead cross-divisional responses to complex or high-risk matters, ensuring advice and communications are coordinated, timely and responsive. In this role, you will:

• Provide trusted strategic advice and insights to the Deputy Chief Executive Assessment and Strategic Assessment Leadership Team.
• Lead and coordinate ministerial briefings and correspondence, parliamentary material, consultation responses and other governance requirements.
• Develop and quality assure governance papers, briefings and accountability reporting for both internal and external senior-level audiences.
• Support divisional planning, priority setting and alignment with NZQA's strategy and wider public-sector expectations.
• Develop and maintain a divisional communications framework and provide strategic advice on sensitive and high profile communications.

He āhei āu | What you will bring to the role

We are seeking a highly experienced public-sector advisor with the credibility to work closely with senior leaders on a wide range of matters. You will be comfortable operating in ambiguity, responding to rapidly changing priorities and bringing together different perspectives to produce clear, practical and thoughtful advice. To be successful, you will bring:

• Extensive public-sector experience, including machinery of government, ministerial processes, parliamentary requirements and reporting.
• A strong track record of providing strategic advice and practical recommendations to senior leaders. This includes political nous and sound judgement when advising on sensitive, complex or high-profile matters.
• Exceptional written communication skills, including experience preparing and reviewing ministerial products, governance papers and senior-level advice.
• Experience coordinating responses to complex issues involving multiple teams, senior stakeholders and competing interests.
• Strong analytical and conceptual thinking, including the ability to use evidence and insights to identify risks, trends and opportunities.
• Experience developing strategic communications and coordinating responses.
• Excellent relationship-management and influencing skills, with the confidence to work across organisational boundaries and challenge constructively.

Ngā Painga o NZQA | Why choose NZQA

Join NZQA and help lift quality and trust across Aotearoa New Zealand's education system through world class assessment, quality assurance and qualifications. We are passionate about ensuring learners' achievements are recognised, allowing people to fully participate in employment, society and their communities.

NZQA is committed to lifelong learning and the diverse communities we serve. We welcome people from all backgrounds and provide a supportive environment for Māori and Pacific staff, including active networks that help guide and strengthen our strategic direction.

Discover more about what we offer: NZQA Staff Benefits.

Pēhea te tono mai | How to apply

For more information about this role and NZQA please refer to the job description, NZQA's Customer Charter and Organisational Values. If you are applying/viewing through Seek, please click ‘apply now' to access these links.

If you would like to discuss further or have any questions about the role, please contact Nigel Huddleston (People Partner) at nigel.huddleston@nzqa.govt.nz.

To apply, please include your CV and tailored cover letter, prior to or latest by 11:59pm on 07 June 2026.

You must have the right to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand to apply for this role.

NZQA is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role.