Pacific Cultural Advisor at NZ Defence Force, Wellington - Wairarapa

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Kia orana, Ni sa bula vinaka, Mauri, Tālofa, Taloha ni, Mālō e lelei, fakatalofa atu and kia ora.

The NZDF Pacific Cultural Advisor will support the Director Diversity & Inclusion in the implementation of the NZDF Pacific People Strategy and other Diversity and Inclusion strategies, policies and programmes that enable the NZDF to meet its objectives and ensure the NZDF is forward-thinking in its workforce planning and responsiveness to the needs of a diverse workforce.

You will:

• Provide specialist advice pertaining to Pacific Peoples, culture and way of life.
• Lead and implement the Pacific People Strategy in conjunction with the Advancing Pacific Partnership 2019.
• Identify, create pathways and challenge obstacles that hinder the success of Pacific People.
• Co-ordinate workshops to increase Cultural Competence within the NZDF.
• Support NZDF Pasifika networks.
• Provide accurate and coordinated reporting on Pacific data.

This role is based in Wellington CBD. Once you have undergone training and are up to speed, there is the option of working from home 2 days a week. This role requires frequent domestic travel as you will be supporting initiatives across all camps and bases. You need to have a Class 1 Driver's Licence and the ability and willingness to travel as required.

Please note: This is a 12 month fixed term or secondment opportunity.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

You will bring a solid understanding of the NZDF as well as robust understanding of Pacific Island cultures and way of life. You will be a strong communicator and be able to influence, advocate and challenge on behalf of Pasifika as required.

As well as being an experienced in an advisory role and being comfortable leading discussions in a diversity and inclusion-related environment, you will bring an understanding of NZDF's Pacific Strategy and have a strong Pacific community network.

Key skills and experiences you will bring include:

• A strategic outlook and the ability to recognise opportunities and risks.
• Excellent relationship management skills.
• Strong organisational skills and a planned approach to achieving results.
• The ability to speak and converse in a Pacific Island Language (or be actively learning) (desirable).

Mō mātou | About Us

The Directorate of Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) is responsible for supporting the establishment and maintenance of a more diverse and inclusive NZDF and for developing and promoting the overall strategic direction of diversity & inclusion within the NZDF.

D&I enables the NZDF to attract and retain future generations of our workforce and to increase our operational effectiveness. All members of the NZDF should be able to perform their duties free from harmful and inappropriate behaviours in a respectful and inclusive environment.

Every hour of every day, 365 days of the year, the New Zealand Defence Force is contributing to the defence, security and well-being of Aotearoa / New Zealand. As a modern, professional military, it is our goal to maintain well trained, equipped and disciplined armed forces that can react to crisis at short notice. 

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

NZDF is an inclusive organisation that is open to flexible working arrangements and welcomes applications from people regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, age, or family circumstances.

In return for your expertise, dedication and hard work, NZDF is offering remuneration reflective of your experience, along with:

• Great benefits for you and your family.
• Fully funded life cover up to $300,000.
• Flexible working environment and positive culture.
• Opportunities for career development.
• Variety, challenge and a chance to influence.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

To view the Position Description and to Apply, please use the links on this page.

Please note:

• Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.
• If you are an existing NZDF employee (excluding contractors) you must apply through our Internal Vacancies site, via the HR Toolkit.

Applications close on Monday 25 September 2023.

Please note: Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand (NZ) and be able to obtain and maintain the required level of NZ Government security clearance for the position applied for. The minimum citizenship and residency criteria for security clearances to be granted by the NZ Defence Force are as follows:

Higher level Security Clearance

• most preferably a NZ citizen who has resided continuously in this country for the last 10 years, OR
• is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last 10 years: either Australia, Canada, NZ, UK or the USA; and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the NZSIS towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at a higher level.

If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.