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

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Defence Information Security delivers a trusted information security and cyber security capability (INFOSEC) that that safeguards the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) across the full information environment – physical, digital, and operational.

As a Senior INFOSEC Advisor, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping and guiding the New Zealand Defence Force's (NZDF) approach to information security. These roles focus on proactive engagement with stakeholders across the organisation to provide expert advice, develop policy, support strategic security initiatives, and implementing and maintaining Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) methodologies across NZDF capabilities.

You will partner closely with programme and project teams, operational units, and senior leaders to ensure INFOSEC principles are integrated by design across platforms, systems and business processes. Acting as a trusted security advisor, you will translate complex regulatory, technical, and assurance requirements into clear, actionable outcomes that enable NZDF capability will managing risk.

With the Defence Information Security capability expanding, we are seeking seasoned information security advisors to boost our capabilities in both our Assurance and Advisory teams to provide high-impact security leadership, assurance, and policy expertise across the wider NZDF. These are highly consultative and influential roles, requiring strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to operate confidently across strategic, operational, and technical domains.

You will be based in Defence House in the Wellington CBD. However, the role will also take you out to our camps and bases across the country offering direct exposure to the breadth of the NZDF capabilities and operations. 

Applications may 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: The formal title for this role within NZDF is Senior C&A Advisor.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

A typical day will see you working across the NZDF as a key advisor in supporting Defence-wide security initiatives, influencing strategic INFOSEC outcomes, maintaining GRC across the NZDF, and bringing maturity and awareness to existing and emerging INFOSEC threats that can impact NZDF capabilities, platforms and supply chains.

Key competencies of these roles will cover:

1. Information Security Advisory Expertise

• Strong practical knowledge of INFOSEC principles, controls and assurance practices, including deep understanding of the NZISM and PSR.
• Experience in advising on Secure by Design, implementation, and operation of information systems and platforms.
• Ability to assess security posture and recommend pragmatic improvements aligned to operational needs.

1. Security Architecture & Design Principles

• Understanding of defence-in-depth, security by design and resilience principles.
• Ability to assess system designs and architectures to identify security weaknesses and opportunities.
• Experience guiding projects to embed INFOSEC requirements early in system and capability lifecycles.

1. Stakeholder Engagement & Trusted Advice

• Highly developed consultative skills and the ability to act as a trusted INFOSEC advisor.
• Experience engaging effectively with technical teams, business owners, and senior leaders.
• Ability to influence outcomes through credibility, expertise and constructive challenge.

We are looking for people who are up for the challenge of securing one of the most complex and high stakes environments imaginable. You're protecting a vast, interconnected ecosystem that spans global networks, deployed operations, intelligence systems, sovereign data, physical infrastructure and people operating in peace, crisis, and conflict. Few organisations offer such diversity of platforms, threat actors, technologies, and operating conditions. Every system matters, every decision carries real-world consequences, and your expertise directly supports national security and mission success. For information security professionals, it's a rare opportunity to work at scale, at depth, and with purpose – solving problems you simply wont encounter anywhere else.

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 Tuesday 2 June 2026.

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

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.