Senior Advisor Personnel Security at NZ Defence Force, Wellington - Wairarapa

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

You will be identifying, assessing and managing personnel security risks as part of the Directorate of Defence Security with the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF). This is a people focused role which requires sensitive but assertive engagement with people going through challenging circumstances and determining pathways which will directly affect their lives.

As a senior advisor within the team, you will take on more complex and challenging cases and provide coaching and mentoring to your colleagues.

Duties for this role will include:

• Undertaking case work to assess the suitability of NZDF personnel to gain and maintain a National Security Clearance. 
• Briefing and debriefing command and/or management on cases.
• Undertaking case interviews to understand situations and determine outcomes.
• Writing in depth assessments and Security Management Plans to support case decisions.
• Liaising with internal and external stakeholders to gather information to assist with cases and to promote security awareness.
• Presenting on subject matter for NZDF personnel, including on camps and bases.
• Supporting and assisting other team members as required.

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 up to two days a week.

Travel around NZDF Camps and Bases is required. You need a Class 1 Full Driver's Licence.

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. It is advised to apply early to avoid disappointment, as this role may close ahead of time due to a high volume of applicants.

Please note:  As this role requires a high level of National Clearance, you will need to be / have been a NZ, UK, Australian, Canadian or USA citizen for a minimum of 10 years to be eligible for this role. 

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

People are at the heart of what we do. You will need to be able to connect with individuals at a human level, with compassion and discretion to build trust and strong rapport, while still being able to apply sound judgement to determine the best course of action.

This role requires strong communication skills with the ability to both speak and write succinctly in order to ensure information is clearly understood and applied by a wide range of people at all levels of the organisation. A written test will form part of the formal panel interview.

Ideally, you will also have:

• Experience in undertaking complex investigations, risk identification, assessment, and management processes within a government environment.
• The ability to critically analyse complex information and make sound, effective recommendations to decision makers.
• The ability to interpret information and draw conclusions, using professional judgement in your analysis to respond to complex cases.
• Experience with investigative interviews and an understanding of different interview techniques.
• Excellent written communications skills, with a proven ability to communicate complex concepts and situations clearly, effectively and concisely.
• A Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Behavioural Science, Security, Policing or proven related experience.
• An understanding and application of relevant policy, procedures, and legislation regarding protective security.
• A working knowledge of the New Zealand Protective Security Requirements (PSR).
• The ability to work with discretion and confidentiality, while dealing with a wide range of difficult topics and situations.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning – safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close on Wednesday 19 February 2025.

Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.

Please Note:

• All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description and a Contact Us option for any queries or technical issues.
• Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
• Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.

NZDF Employees/Members – please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.

NZDF Contractors – please apply via the Defence Careers website.

NZDF Reserves – please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.

NZDF is currently undertaking a Workforce Savings Programme (WSP) to realise efficiencies and required enduring savings, which may require NZDF to propose changes to the organisational structure of its civilian workforce. As we progress through the WSP, we will be communicating with our people about any potential impact on roles and structures. We welcome your application for this important role and want to let you know that if the WSP, and any subsequent proposed change process, is likely to impact on the role you are applying for, we will let you know at the earliest opportunity.

Please Note:

To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:

Higher Level Security Clearance

• You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
• At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years.
• You must have a ten (10) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.

If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.