Chief Advisor Assessment - Wellington
Chief Advisor Assessment
Shape the future of assessment in Aotearoa
Wellington based
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 (education) be brought into the world of light. We welcome one and all to join us at the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.
Are you passionate about shaping fair, inclusive and forward - thinking assessment systems that support every learner to succeed?
NZQA is seeking a strategic and technically skilled leader to join our Assessment Division as Chief Advisor Assessment. This is a pivotal role that influences the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of assessment systems across Aotearoa's education landscape.
Mō tēnei tūranga | About the role
As Chief Advisor Assessment, you'll play a key leadership role in how assessments are designed and delivered across Aotearoa. Working closely with the Deputy Chief Executive and teams across NZQA, you'll help turn strategic priorities into practical, meaningful change that improves outcomes for all learners.
This role is about making sure our assessment systems are informed by future needs, inclusive of all learners, and grounded in evidence. You'll lead innovation in assessment design and development, support equity in assessment policy and practice, and ensure our processes around development, marking, and moderation are robust, reliable, and aligned with national education priorities.
You'll also be a trusted advisor, a connector across agencies, and a thought leader—bringing international insights and local expertise together to drive continuous improvement.
Key responsibilities
Provide strategic and technical leadership in assessment design, development, marking and moderation.
Lead innovation in assessment design, development, marking, and moderation, ensuring approaches are informed by evidence and future needs.
Support the integration of equity and inclusion principles into assessment policy and practice.
Provide expert advice on the performance and integrity of assessment processes, including quality assurance of development, marking, and moderation.
Build strong relationships with stakeholders across government, education, and international bodies.
Represent NZQA in cross-agency and international forums on assessment and qualifications.
Ko tāu nā i tēnei tūranga | What you'll bring to the role:
Expertise in assessment design, operational policy, and education system knowledge (including NCEA).
Proven experience in senior public sector roles, with strong understanding of government policy processes and public management principles.
Excellent analytical and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, actionable advice.
Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive practice.
Ability to lead in a fast-paced, agile environment and build trusted relationships at senior levels.
Ideally you will have a solid background in the New Zealand education sector—particularly within the NCEA context.
Ngā Painga o NZQA | Why Choose NZQA
At NZQA, we're passionate about supporting learners and ensuring fair, inclusive, and high-quality education outcomes. You'll be part of a collaborative team that values integrity, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Pēhea te tono mai | How You 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, please contact Apeksha Tekchand on Apeksha.Tekchand@nzqa.govt.nz
Applications close at 5.00 pm on Sunday 31 August 2025.
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.
