Senior Policy Analyst or Principal Policy Analyst

Senior Policy Analyst or Principal Policy AnalystFull Time | Fixed-Term (12-months)Whakatairangatia nga kete o te matauranga ki te ao marama! E te tai whakarunga, e te tai whakararo, nau piki mai, nau kake mai ki te Mana Tohu Matauranga 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.Help shape operational regulatory policy that supports a credible and robust qualifications and a high-quality tertiary education system.NZQA is seeking an experienced Senior Policy Analyst or Principal Policy Analyst to join our Policy and International team on a 12-month fixed-term basis, to backfill a secondment.This role contributes to operational policy, regulatory and quality assurance work that supports the tertiary education sector. Working across NZQA and with external stakeholders, you will develop and review regulatory policy settings, provide advice on complex issues, and help ensure regulatory settings are practical, evidence-based and effective in implementation.You will work at the intersection of policy and delivery, translating strategic intent into clear operational approaches and providing trusted advice to senior leaders and decision-makers.About youYou will be a good fit for this role if you:Have experience developing policy in a public sector, regulatory, or education context, or similarly complex environment.Can translate strategic intent into practical, implementable regulatory settings and operational approaches.Provide clear, high-quality advice on complex issues, supported by sound analysis, evidence and judgement.Build effective relationships, communicate and work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders to achieve shared outcomes.Bring strong systems thinking and understand the connections between policy, regulation, operations and sector performance.Understand how NZQA's regulatory role directly supports equitable outcomes for all learners, through quality assurance for matauranga Maori qualifications and culturally responsive assessment practices.About the teamThe Policy and International team sit within NZQA's Quality Assurance Division. We develop operational policy that supports NZQA's quality assurance and regulatory functions, while also contributing to international policy and engagement work. On any given day, you could be considering matters relating to the pastoral care of international or tertiary students; the effectiveness of quality settings across academic or vocational teaching and learning; how New Zealand's qualifications and credentials benchmark in the global market; the impacts of AI on equity and the quality of assessment in tertiary and vocational education; and, much more!We are a collaborative and supportive team that values practical thinking, strong relationships and high-quality advice. We work closely with colleagues across NZQA and the wider education sector to deliver solutions that are both effective and workable in practice.Why join 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 Maori and Pacific staff, including active networks that help guide and strengthen our strategic direction.Some of the benefits available to NZQA employees include:Meaningful work - contribute to a trusted and high-quality tertiary education system that supports learners, providers and communities.Flexible working arrangements - including options for working from home and flexible hours.Leave - In addition to the annual leave entitlement, NZQA provides three NZQA Holiday days each year between Christmas and New Year.Discover more about what we offer: NZQA Staff Benefits.How to applyIf you are an experienced operational policy professional or regulator who enjoys working on complex issues, building strong relationships and developing practical solutions, we'd like to hear from you.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.To apply, please include your CV and cover letter, prior to or latest by 5.00pm on Sunday, 23 August 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr