Data Scientist

Position Title – Data Scientist

• Employment Type (Fixed Term – 1 year)
• Fulltime (40 hrs per week)
• Wellington

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.

Mo tenei turanga | About the role

As NZQA works to ensure New Zealand qualifications are credible, robust, and valued both here and internationally, this role plays a key part in shaping how we use data to understand and serve our customers.

Sitting within the Customer Experience and Analytics (CE&A) team, you will be NZQA's dedicated data science expert—bringing energy, creativity, analytical depth, and technical leadership to AI and advanced analytics initiatives across all customer channels.

You will help staff deliver high-quality, customer-centred services by developing machine learning and AI models, uncovering insights through data analysis, and guiding the organisation in how data can drive decision-making and innovation.

You'll work collaboratively with data, Information Services, and business teams to design and deliver end-to-end AI solutions, optimise data systems, and present insights in ways that are meaningful, accessible, and actionable.

This role also contributes directly to NZQA's responsibilities as a public service organisation, supporting our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, fostering strong relationships, and delivering equitable outcomes for learners and communities across Aotearoa.

Mou | Who you are

You're an analytical thinker, a problem solver, and someone who sees opportunities where others see complexity.

You enjoy working collaboratively, sharing your expertise, and helping others build confidence with data-driven tools and insights.

You thrive in environments where you can experiment, learn quickly, and apply new ideas to real-world problems.

You have a natural curiosity and a passion for applying AI, machine learning, and emerging technologies in ways that make a practical difference to people and systems.

You communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical audiences, and you're comfortable guiding others—whether through storytelling with data, mentoring peers, or contributing to a multidisciplinary team.

You value public service, are committed to inclusive practice, and bring a strong sense of responsibility to privacy, security, and the safe use of data.

Ko tau na i tenei turanga | What you'll bring to the role :

You'll bring a mix of strong technical expertise, practical experience delivering production-ready AI solutions, and the ability to work confidently with stakeholders across a large and varied organisation.

Specifically, you will bring :

Desirable extras include experience in the public sector, cloud-based data science platforms, and leading technical components of projects.

A relevant Master's degree (or higher) in a quantitative field is required, with a PhD considered an advantage.

Nga Painga o NZQA | Why Choose NZQA

A core part of our education system, NZQA ensures that New Zealand qualifications are valued as credible and robust both nationally and internationally.

We are accountable for managing the New Zealand Qualifications Framework, administering the secondary school assessment system, qualifications recognition and standard setting for some specified unit standards.

We are a dynamic crown agency with an exciting future.

We offer significant training and professional development, specifically tailored for our leadership team, so that you can thrive and grow.

We are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way that embraces diversity and reflects the communities that we serve.

Pehea te tono mai | How You Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter.

If you are an NZQA employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your NZQA email address.

We will be continually reviewing applications as they are received, so would encourage you to submit your CV promptly for consideration.

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.

If you have any questions about role, please contact the hiring manager for the role, Thomas Kernreiter, email :

Applications close at 5.00pm on 1 December