Advisor System Capability at NZ Qualifications Authority, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Permanent - full time

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. This focus is supported through close working relationships with Tertiary Education Organisations (TEOs), the TEC, MoE, University NZ, peak body groups and other government departments.

We're excited to offer a newly established opportunity for a Advisor, System Capability in the System Performance and Capability business unit of the Quality Assurance Division (QAD). As a member of the System Performance and Capability team, this role is central to supporting the understanding of qualification and quality assurance insights and translation of these into targeted educational and informational products designed to build Tertiary Education Organisation capability. In order to do this role, a knowledge of the Vocational Education Training system, the wider tertiary education system, education in New Zealand is desirable.

You'll bring a good understanding of adult learning, co-design and behaviour change principles to develop and implement training that champions continuous improvement for the tertiary sector.  Excellent verbal and writing skills alongside strong problem solving abilities will be necessary to manage and respond to complex situations.  

This is a role that supports a QAD as a regulator. You'll support the development of and contribution educational or information products that will support informed decisions aligned with regulatory requirements and good practice. To thrive here, you'll need to be able to work across formal and informal networks, have a good working understanding of the tertiary and wider education systems, and the ability to deliver training across many methods and modes..

Mōu | Who you are

You're an adviser with proven expertise in developing and implementing training and quality management strategies relating to the tertiary education system and a regulatory environment. You're driven by a commitment to better outcomes for ākonga (learners) and bring a strong sense of purpose to your work.

You understand how tertiary teaching organisations work and the importance of quality assurance and system capability. You're a flexible, agile thinker, who's not afraid to roll your sleeves up on adhoc or urgent tasks to support the System Performance and Capability team as well as the wider QAD.

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

You bring attention to detail, sound judgement, and a collaborative mindset. You're someone who builds trust and effective relationships quickly, communicates with clarity, and knows how to deliver results.

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

We're looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• As strong knowledge and understanding of modern learning and development trends and directions.
• Proven expertise in developing and implementing training that applies adult learning, co-design and behaviour change principles.
• Experience in delivering training using many modes and methods and the ability to determine the best content type for the audience and topic.
• Proactively identify and respond to complex strategic issues and translate and manage these into operational matters and action.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, alongside strong problem solving, deductive reasoning and decision-making capabilities.
• Skills in scoping, coordinating, collaborating and reviewing alongside internal and external stakeholders to develop resources and learning solutions that are engaging and accessible.
• Experience in developing and managing website content.
• Confidence in managing competing priorities and project management.  
• A strong commitment to enabling better educational outcomes and to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in your 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 Tawhai Maindonald at tawhai.maindonald@nzqa.govt.nz

Applications close: 16 April 2026