Shoba James
Senior Programme Advisor - Risk Specialist, Programme Investment Management Office, Ministry Of Social Development
Wellington,WGN
Summary
Senior Programme Advisor - Risk Specialist with extensive expertise in regulatory policy analysis, strategic advisory, and risk management, driving transformative outcomes across governmental frameworks. Demonstrates a proven ability to lead complex policy initiatives, deliver high-impact advisory to government officials, and foster cross-functional collaboration for legislative and regulatory objectives. Passionate about mentoring teams and aligning strategic goals, with a focus on innovative solutions and compliance assurance.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
6030
6030
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Senior Programme Advisor - Risk Specialist
Ministry of Social Development
Wellington, Wellington
10.2023 - Current
- Lead programme and workstream risk maturity assessments, guiding leadership decisions for new operating model transition, aligning Te Pae Tawhiti program objectives with government policy.
- Guide leadership on policy implications and emerging risk trends, aligning Te Pae Tawhiti program with government objectives for transformative outcomes.
- Review all risk management processes, procedures, guidelines and frameworks and providing comprehensive assurance of the effectiveness of the quality and maturity of risk management to project managers and senior management.
- Collaborate in the enterprise change delivery landscape including planning and prioritisation processes, project management practices – reporting, assurance, risk management.
- Design tailored risk workshops across workstreams, fostering proactive management and cross-functional knowledge sharing for Te Pae Tawhiti programme.
- Oversee risk profiles across Te Pae Tawhiti workstreams, enhancing strategic decision-making through centralized reporting tools and databases.
- Optimize strategic decision-making through centralized risk reporting tools, enhancing program-wide risk profile management for measurable outcomes.
- Enhance program-wide risk management through centralized enterprise tools such as Planview and Jira.
- Mentor teams on risk assessment methodologies, cultivating a culture of continuous learning and expertise in programme risk management.
Senior Advisor
New Zealand Transport Agency
Wellington, Wellington
11.2021 - 10.2023
- Conducted comprehensive second-line assurance evaluations, delivering data-driven reports on regulatory system performance to senior leadership to the Director of Land Transport and senior leadership for informed decision-making
- Evaluated risk and assurance management processes for decision-making compliance, aligning with Tū ake, tū māia 2022 regulatory strategy
- Spearheaded creation of innovative risk assurance frameworks, driving organizational excellence and ensuring compliance with sector standards and strategies
- Developed pragmatic solutions in partnership with regulatory services, measurably improving operational outcomes and decision-making processes through regulatory compliance reviews (Safer Drivers, Rail Safety Regulators, Safer Vehicles, Commercial Services, Safer Commercial Transport, Regulatory System Design)
- Partnered with Corporate Risk and Assurance teams to refine risk management tools, websites, and frameworks, fostering a culture of compliance
- Developed risk assurance frameworks aligning with public sector standards, enhancing organizational excellence and decision-making compliance
- Partnered across regulatory services to implement pragmatic solutions, measurably improving operational outcomes and processes
Lead Evaluator
New Zealand Qualification Authority
11.2018 - 11.2021
- Led comprehensive third-line external assurance audits, evaluating program delivery and risk management effectiveness for external stakeholders to ensure compliance and elevate quality standards
- Updated National Qualification Services policies NZQA website and Guiding Documents through collaborations with internal and external stakeholders
- Spearheaded risk-based monitoring for tertiary programs, implementing targeted reviews that enhanced compliance and program quality across institutions
- Partnered with Pasifika network and Quality Assurance Māori teams to integrate cultural competence into compliance activities, fostering inclusive practices
- Refined National Qualification Services policies through cross-functional collaboration, modernizing NZQA website and guiding documents
- Designed and facilitated dynamic capability-building workshops, boosting external stakeholder understanding of quality assurance processes
- Led risk-based monitoring for tertiary programs, implementing targeted reviews to ensure compliance and elevate quality standards
- Spearheaded risk-based monitoring for tertiary programs, implementing targeted reviews that enhanced compliance and program quality across institutions
- Designed and facilitated dynamic capability-building workshops, elevating external stakeholder understanding of quality assurance processes and driving improvement
Programme Manager
Whitireia/Weltec New Zealand
05.2018 - 11.2018
- Streamlined reporting processes for stakeholders, facilitating data-driven decision-making and enabling strategic change management initiatives
- Authored comprehensive reporting for stakeholders, facilitating data-driven decision-making and strategic change management initiatives
- Orchestrated recruitment and mentorship of educational staff, facilitating seamless onboarding and fostering continuous professional development
- Pioneered implementation and maintenance of NZQA qualification within EAP framework, elevating institutional standards and educational outcomes
- Spearheaded program development and staff mentorship, elevating educational standards and fostering professional growth within EAP framework
- Orchestrated implementation of NZQA qualification, revolutionizing institutional standards and significantly improving educational outcomes
- Delivered vital pastoral care to diverse student body, boosting academic success and cultural integration for refugee and international learners
Senior Academic
Whitireia New Zealand
08.2015 - 05.2018
- Led faculty development initiatives, enhancing teaching methodologies and fostering a culture of continuous improvement among ESOL educators
- Cultivated a supportive learning environment, implementing innovative strategies to address diverse student needs and optimize language acquisition outcomes
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of student progress, utilizing data-driven insights to refine curriculum and personalize instruction for maximum impact
- Championed holistic student support, guiding staff in effective pastoral care practices to ensure academic success and personal well-being
- Spearheaded program enhancements, integrating cutting-edge language teaching methodologies to elevate the quality of ESOL education at Whitireia/Weltec New Zealand
- Pioneered faculty development initiatives, revolutionizing ESOL teaching methodologies and fostering a culture of continuous improvement among educators
Education and Training Manager
Red2Green Workplace Enabler
01.2015 - 08.2015
- Conducted comprehensive skill gap analyses across sectors, developing targeted training courses to address identified needs across various sectors and organizations
- Implemented rigorous evaluation processes for training programs, driving continuous improvement and delivering actionable insights to upper management
- Pioneered data-driven approaches to assess training effectiveness, recommending strategic updates to optimize learning outcomes at all organizational levels
- Fostered a culture of continuous learning, working closely with cross-functional teams to align training initiatives with organizational goals and industry trends
- Spearheaded the development of forward-thinking training strategies, anticipating future skill requirements and positioning the organization for long-term success
Research Assistant
Victoria University of Wellington
03.2012 - 01.2014
- Conducted rigorous data validation, ensuring accuracy and integrity of research information while independently resolving discrepancies on specific topics
- Partnered with principal investigator to facilitate qualitative research on transactional learning, contributing to project objectives and timelines
- Meticulously evaluated incoming data, implementing quality control measures to maintain high standards of information reliability and consistency
- Developed creative solutions for data discrepancies, streamlining research processes
- Proactively identified and resolved inconsistencies, enhancing project efficiency
- Drove research progress by proactively identifying and addressing data inconsistencies, contributing to the timely completion of project milestones
- Independently located and corrected data concerns, ensuring information integrity
- Contributed to timely completion of project milestones through efficient data management
Lecturer
Open University Malaysia
01.2004 - 10.2007
- Guided undergraduate research projects, fostering critical thinking and academic rigor while providing mentorship throughout the degree program
- Developed and implemented tailored teaching strategies, adapting to diverse learning styles to boost student comprehension and academic performance
- Contributed to curriculum development, integrating industry trends and academic best practices to ensure relevant, cutting-edge course completion
- Mentored undergraduate research projects, nurturing critical thinking skills and guiding students through complex academic challenges
- Contributed to curriculum evolution, integrating industry trends and academic best practices to ensure cutting-edge, relevant course content
- Facilitated multi-modal learning experiences, seamlessly blending online, distance, and face-to-face instruction for foundation and degree programs
- Fostered e-learning initiatives, creating dynamic online forums that fostered collaborative learning environments for distance education students
Head of the English Language Department
Sam Tet Chinese School
12.1995 - 12.2005
- Led English Language Department, implementing curriculum enhancements and fostering student engagement
- Mentored teachers, driving excellence in language instruction
- Spearheaded initiatives that markedly improved standardized test scores
- Implemented data-driven strategies to track and elevate student performance
- Cultivated strong partnerships with faculty and administration
- Orchestrated cross-departmental projects to enrich the school's language curriculum
- Championed integration of technology in language learning
- Forecasted educational trends to keep curriculum cutting-edge and relevant for future challenges
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Education (specialised in Assessment and Evaluation)
Victoria University of Wellington
Wellington, WGN 04.2001 - 11.2023
Master of Education -
Sultan Idris Education University
MalaysiaBachelor of Education (Hons) -
University Putra Malaysia
MalaysiaDiploma in Teaching -
Darulaman Teachers Institute
MalaysiaSkills
Legislative and Regulatory Monitoring
Public Policy Advisory
Cross-Functional Leadership
Strategic Stakeholder Engagement
Government Advisory
Strategic Decision-Making
Programme Evaluation
Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing
Regulatory Compliance
Risk Management
Quality Assurance
Compliance Facilitation
Report Writing and Compliance Briefing
Courses
New Zealand certificate in Project Management, Open Polytechnic Oct 2024 - Dec 2024
Finance Foundations: Risk Management - LinkedIn Oct 2024
Project Portfolio Management Foundations - LinkedIn Oct 2024
Project Management Foundations -LinkedIn Aug 2024
Enterprise Risk Management – Bringing it to life - Protecht, Australia Mar 2024
New Zealand Certificate in Business (First Line Management) -Open Polytechnic of New Zealand Jul 2023 - Nov 2023
Power BI with Excel - LinkedIn Jun 2023
Power BI Data Analyst Associate PL300 Cert Prep: Connecting to Power BI Data - LinkedIn Jun 2023
Leading Project, Leading Remote Projects, and Virtual teams - LinkedIn Apr 2023
Project Management Foundations – Small Project - LinkedIn Feb 2023
Data Visualization and Data Analytics - LinkedIn Feb 2023
Project management Risk 2018 - LinkedIn Jan 2023
Project Management: Risk and Quality - LinkedIn Oct 2022
Affiliations
- Risk New Zealand
- Victoria University Alumni
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Programme Advisor - Risk Specialist
Ministry of Social Development
10.2023 - Current
Senior Advisor
New Zealand Transport Agency
11.2021 - 10.2023
Lead Evaluator
New Zealand Qualification Authority
11.2018 - 11.2021
Programme Manager
Whitireia/Weltec New Zealand
05.2018 - 11.2018
Senior Academic
Whitireia New Zealand
08.2015 - 05.2018
Education and Training Manager
Red2Green Workplace Enabler
01.2015 - 08.2015
Research Assistant
Victoria University of Wellington
03.2012 - 01.2014
Lecturer
Open University Malaysia
01.2004 - 10.2007
Doctor of Philosophy - Education (specialised in Assessment and Evaluation)
Victoria University of Wellington
04.2001 - 11.2023
Head of the English Language Department
Sam Tet Chinese School
12.1995 - 12.2005
Master of Education -
Sultan Idris Education University
Bachelor of Education (Hons) -
University Putra Malaysia
Diploma in Teaching -
Darulaman Teachers Institute
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