Advisor System Performance

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 Performance 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 trends, patterns and impacts across the tertiary education system. 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  data and information analysis alongside strong communication and writing skills to translate complex insights to a range of audiences within the System Performance and Capability teams, the wider QAD and to the sector stakeholders.

This is a role that supports an intelligence led division. You'll be a key player in ensuring the development of and contribution to actionable insights, products and reports that are aligned with a focus on continuous improvement of the qualification and quality assurance system. To thrive here, you'll need to be able to work across teams, disciplines and stakeholders, a good working understanding of the tertiary and wider education systems, and the ability to navigate detailed data with confidence and clarity.

Mōu | Who you are

You're an adviser with a good understanding of data and information analysis in a large, complex environment, in the tertiary education system, and in 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 can quickly come up to speed with the importance of quality assurance and system performance. 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 issues, and you know how to navigate ambiguity with confidence and clarity.

You bring attention to detail, sound judgement, and a collaborative mindset. You're experienced in generating actionable insights, products and reports from data and information intelligence.  You also know how to apply that knowledge to support QAD staff to make informed decisions. You're someone who builds trust 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:

• Proven experience in successfully working with and analysing detailed data and information sets.
• Proven ability to transform patterns and trends into actionable insights.
• Experience in using a wide range of analytical methodologies to forecast the impact of change interventions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, alongside strong problem solving, deductive reasoning and decision-making capabilities.
• Skills in scoping, organising and prioritising work to deliver required outputs efficiently and on time.
• Experience in data management, analysis, customer relationship management and visualisation tools and experience and knowledge in project management.
• 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