Programme Developer at NZ Defence Force, Wellington - Wairarapa

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The New Zealand Defence College vision leads New Zealand Defence Force learning to enable an integrated Defence Force. The Programme Developer is responsible for aligning military training, courses and workplace activities to qualifications listed on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) through the development and approval of qualification programmes.

Where military experiences do not fully align to the requirements for award of a qualification, the Programme Developer creates learning and/or assessment tools to bridge the gap between the military experiences and qualification requirements.

The role of the Programme Developer is essential to ensure that New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel can be credentialed with qualifications registered on the NZQCF.

The Programme Developer:

• Ensures that NZQF qualifications made available to NZDF personnel meet their career and talent development needs
• Ensures that NZDF personnel are stair-cased into qualifications which support their career pathways, including if they seek release from the NZDF to pursue an alternative career
• Maintains effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Works in consultation with NZDF Trade Boards, schools and units when aligning NZQF qualification programmes to military experiences
• Develops and maintains qualification alignments in conjunction with and to meet the requirements of NZQA, Tertiary Education Commission, Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) and external training providers
• Carries out assessment of selected programmes as a registered workplace assessor
• Carries out internal moderation and facilitates external moderation of NZDF qualification programmes by NZQA, ISBs and training providers

A key aspect of the Programme Developer's role is identifying qualification opportunities to aid recruitment of personnel into the NZDF and their retention once enlisted.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

We are looking for a collaborative and relationship-focused Programme Developer who is passionate about creating high-quality learning experiences that make a real difference.

In this role, you'll design and develop learning and assessment resources that support nationally recognised qualifications on the NZQCF. Working closely with subject matter experts and stakeholders across NZDF, you'll help ensure our people have access to learning programmes that build capability and support operational success.

You'll be an excellent communicator, capable of translating complex information into practical learning solutions, and building strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels. We are committed to developing our people, and this role offers opportunities to broaden your expertise and further develop your programme and qualification design skills.

We're particularly interested in someone who:

• Has a sound understanding of training, adult learning, and education principles
• Has experience developing qualifications, learning programmes, or assessment resources aligned to the NZQF
• Understands workplace assessment and evaluation methodologies
• Enjoys finding innovative solutions to learning and capability challenges
• Can balance multiple priorities and deliver quality outcomes within tight timeframes
• Demonstrates strong analytical thinking, sound judgement, and effective problem-solving skills
• Can identify risks, develop practical mitigation strategies, and escalate issues when required

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 22 July 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:

Low 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 five (5) years.
• You must have a five (5) 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.