Principal Advisor to the Chief Executive

We welcome one and all to join us at the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.*Mana Tohu Mātauranga o Aotearoa ensures that New Zealand qualifications are credible, trusted and recognised both nationally and internationally. We work across schools, kura, wānanga, tertiary providers, and the wider education system to support equitable and meaningful outcomes for learners.The Principal Advisor to the Chief Executive is a high-trust role working directly with the Chief Executive, providing advice, insight and coordination across a wide range of issues, ensuring the Chief Executive is well supported to lead effectively in a complex and dynamic environment.This role brings an enterprise lens, connecting issues across the organisation, identifying risks and opportunities early, and ensuring advice and outputs are robust, clear and aligned. It combines strategic thinking with a hands-on approach to delivery, enabling the Chief Executive to engage confidently with the Board, Ministers and stakeholders.Mō te tūranga | About the role You will operate as a trusted Principal advisor to the Chief Executive, providing insight, judgement and support across strategic, operational and sensitive matters.

You will work closely with senior leaders across NZQA, acting as a key connector and ensuring effective flow of information, alignment of priorities and high-quality outputs. In this role, you will: Analyse complex issues, identify risks and opportunities, and provide clear, informed recommendations to support strategic decision-making Support the Chief Executive in navigating sensitive, high-risk or complex situations, providing trusted advice. Providing insight across a broad range of matters, facilitating effective and timely solutions to urgent and ongoing issues Act as a ‘barometer' for the organisation, identifying emerging issues and ensuring the Chief Executive is proactively briefed Lead and contribute to priority projects and initiatives on behalf of the Chief Executive, including work with organisational impact Contribute to the design, implementation and continuous improvement of NZQA's enterprise-wide regulatory approach Take a hands-on role in drafting correspondence, briefings and other materials.

Review reports, papers and communications to ensure clarity, quality, accuracy and the right level of content* Research, prioritise and follow up on issues raised with the Chief Executive, including those of a sensitive or confidential nature, and determine appropriate responsesHe āhei āu | What you'll bring to the role We are seeking a highly capable and experienced principal advisor who thrives in complexity and can operate with discretion, sound judgement and influence at senior and executive levels. This role is part of the Office of the Chief Executive and requires someone who can work collaboratively to ensure continuity and delivery of key pieces of work.You will bring the ability to connect ideas across a wide range of issues, anticipate risks, and provide clear, actionable advice in fast-paced and often sensitive environments. To be successful in this role, you will have: Proven experience providing high-quality, trusted advice to senior executives or governance-level stakeholders Experience supporting governance processes, including preparing and quality assuring Board or executive papers, managing governance interfaces, official correspondence, and working effectively in environments with strong accountability. Strong analytical and strategic thinking capability, with the ability to synthesise complex information into clear insights Demonstrated experience identifying and managing organisational risks and issues proactively Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including drafting high-quality correspondence and briefings, along with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build credibility and trust. High levels of discretion, judgement and professionalism when dealing with sensitive or confidential matters Knowledge of quality assurance and regulatory frameworks in the education sector, including experience applying standards, assessing compliance, and supporting continuous improvement of regulatory activities Sound understanding of public sector environments, including working with Ministers' Offices and government stakeholdersNgā 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 and inclusive environment that values different perspectives and experiences. 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 at Nigel Huddleston in our People Team at [email protected] apply, please include your CV and cover letter, prior to or latest by 11:59pm 15 July 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## Job details| | || --- | --- || Job Reference: | NZQA/1933657 || Location: | Wellington || Job type: | Permanent Full-time || Date posted: | 27-Jun-2026 || Application Close Date: | 15-Jul-2026 || Attachments: | Job Description - Principal Advisor to the CE - June 2026.pdf (PDF, 1.38MB) Job Specification |\n#J-18808-Ljbffr