Chief of Staff at NZ Defence Force, Wellington - Wairarapa

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

 

Information Command (INFOCOM) exists to achieve information advantage in support of Aotearoa New Zealand interests. Through information warfare capabilities, digital services, and resilient information environments, INFOCOM delivers outcomes that enable the NZDF to achieve its mission.

 

As Chief of Staff, you will serve as a trusted strategic partner to the Commander Information Command (COMINFO), providing leadership, oversight, and coordination across a broad portfolio of organisational functions. Working across INFOCOM and the wider NZDF, you will play a pivotal role in aligning strategy, people, and resources to drive organisational performance and support the successful delivery of key priorities. With responsibility for a range of key enabling functions, you will ensure effective governance, workforce readiness, and the integration of people, processes, and resources that underpin INFOCOM's performance and delivery.

 

This is a unique opportunity to contribute at a strategic level, helping shape the future of information and digital capabilities across the NZDF. Working closely with senior leaders across Defence, government, and industry, you will support informed decision making, build trusted relationships, and contribute to the delivery of strategic outcomes.

 

This will include: 

• Providing strategic advice and support to COMINFO across governance and organisational priorities. 
• Supporting organisational planning, performance and capability initiatives. 
• Providing oversight across workforce planning, people development and organisational capability activities. 
• Supporting effective financial, commercial and governance practices across INFOCOM. 
• Providing oversight of communications, engagement and stakeholder activities. 
• Representing INFOCOM within governance forums and strategic engagements as required. 

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

 

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced senior leader to contribute to organisational performance and capability outcomes across the NZDF's information and digital environment.

 

You will be a strategic and collaborative professional with experience operating in large, complex organisations. You will be comfortable working across multiple functions, navigating ambiguity, balancing competing priorities and providing high quality advice to senior leaders and governance bodies. 

 

You will bring: 

• Significant senior leadership experience within large and complex organisations. 
• Experience supporting executive leaders and governance forums through strategic advice and planning. 
• Strong organisational planning, performance and governance capability. 
• Experience working across workforce, organisational development or capability related functions. 
• Strong financial, commercial or resource management experience. 
• Advanced stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills. 
• Excellent communication, briefing and advisory skills. 
• Proven ability to work across multiple functions and influence organisational outcomes. 
• Experience within Defence, national security, government, ICT or similarly complex environments highly desirable. 

This position involves occasional domestic and international travel. Applicants must hold a current Full Class 1 Driver's Licence.

 

If your background differs from what we've outlined but you believe you can contribute to the role, we encourage you to apply.

 

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.

 

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 Monday 12 October 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.

 

For a confidential conversation regarding this opportunity, please email Rachael.Molnar@nzdf.mil.nz.

 

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.