Senior Investigations Analyst

Senior Investigations Analyst • Permanent • Full time • Flexible working practices • Life and income protection insurance • Health insurance options with Southern Cross. 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 (education) be brought into the world of light.We welcome one and all to join us at the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) is seeking a Senior Investigations Analyst to join our Monitoring and Risk team within the Quality Assurance Division (QAD). Monitoring and Risk plays an important role in supporting NZQA's risk-informed approach to effective verification of tertiary education quality. Our work helps identify emerging risks, understand system performance, support continuous improvement, and ensure learners receive high-quality educational experiences. This is an exciting time to join the tertiary education sector. The way NZQA monitors quality is evolving, with greater focus on system insights, evidence-informed decision-making, collaboration, and supporting providers to continuously improve. Our team works across both monitoring and system risk functions and has strong connections across QAD and wider government agencies, including Immigration New Zealand and other regulatory bodies. We are a welcoming, collaborative team that values curiosity, critical thinking, continuous learning, and respectful challenge. About the role As the Senior Investigations Analyst, you will lead complex regulatory investigations that help protect the integrity of New Zealand's tertiary education system. You will manage a diverse portfolio of investigations, complaints, incidents and compliance matters, ranging from straightforward enquiries through to large, complex investigations involving multiple agencies and significant regulatory or reputational risk. You will provide expert analysis, gather and assess evidence, and support sound regulatory decision-making. This is an opportunity to make a real difference by ensuring education providers meet their legislative obligations and learners are protected. You will also play an important leadership role by mentoring other investigators, supporting quality assurance across the team, and contributing to continuous improvement of regulatory practice. You will work closely with colleagues across NZQA, including Monitoring and other Quality Assurance teams, as well as external agencies such as Immigration New Zealand, the Tertiary Education Commission, Ministry of Education, New Zealand Police and other regulatory partners. Responsibilities Lead complex investigations from initial assessment through to resolution. Manage a varied caseload of complaints, incidents, compliance reviews and regulatory investigations. Gather, analyse and assess evidence to support robust regulatory decisions. Prepare high-quality reports, briefings and recommendations for a range of audiences. Work collaboratively with internal teams and external agencies on multi-agency investigations where required. Identify regulatory risks and recommend appropriate actions under the Education and Training Act and NZQA Rules. Mentor and coach other investigators, supporting capability development across the team. Provide peer review and quality assurance of investigation work. Build productive relationships with education providers, government agencies and sector stakeholders. Contribute to improving investigation practices, processes and regulatory capability across NZQA. What you’ll bring to the role We are interested in people who are curious, thoughtful, and able to connect information, evidence and people to understand complex issues and support sound regulatory decision‑making. You enjoy solving problems, asking the right questions, and working collaboratively to achieve fair, evidence‑based outcomes. You may come from education, regulation, compliance, intelligence, assurance, risk, investigations, operational policy, or another complex regulatory environment. Requirements Experience leading or managing complex investigations, compliance activities or regulatory case work. Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to assess complex information, identify key issues and exercise sound judgement. Strong written communication skills, including preparing investigation reports, briefings and recommendations. Experience gathering, analysing and evaluating evidence from multiple sources. The ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion. Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities while delivering high-quality outcomes. Excellent relationship management skills and experience working collaboratively across teams and agencies. Experience mentoring or coaching others and contributing to team capability. Confidence communicating with a wide range of stakeholders, including senior leaders and external organisations. A tertiary qualification or equivalent relevant experience in investigations, regulation, compliance, risk, audit, business or another relevant discipline. Why choose NZQA At NZQA, we’re passionate about ensuring fair, inclusive, and high‑quality assessment and qualifications. Our work enables learners to have their achievement recognised and credentialed, supporting their progression into further education, training, or employment. You’ll be part of a collaborative team that values integrity, innovation, and continuous improvement. NZQA is a te reo Māori learning organisation and is committed to equity and lifelong learning. We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds that will enrich our understanding of the education system. NZQA is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment to Māori and Pacific staff and has active Māori and Pacific staff networks which contribute to NZQA’s strategic action plans. Salary range: $95,119 - $127,830 per annum (Salary Grade S8) 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr