Principal Advisor Risk and Assurance at NZ Defence Force, Wellington - Wairarapa

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

We're looking for an experienced risk professional to provide strategic leadership and expert adviceon risk management and assurance across the Defence Estate and Infrastructure portfolio. Working closely with senior leaders, programme teams and governance groups, you'll help ensure key risks are identified, understood and effectively managed to support informed decision-making and successful delivery outcomes. This role sits within the Portfolio Management Office, which provides oversight and support across a diverse portfolio of estate investment programmes and projects valued at approximately $7 billion.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead portfolio-level risk management activities, providing strategic advice on emerging risks, issues and treatment plans.
• Monitor and analyse portfolio risk trends, providing reporting and insights to governance and decision-making forums.
• Partner with programme and project teams to strengthen risk management capability and promote best practice.
• Facilitate risk workshops, assessments and discussions across a complex portfolio environment.
• Support assurance activities and provide independent advice on portfolio, programme and project performance.
• Drive continuous improvement of risk management frameworks, processes and tools.

This role is based in Wellington. Once you have completed onboarding and established yourself in the role, there may be opportunities for flexible working arrangements (including working from home one to two days a week).

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

We're seeking an experienced risk professional who can confidently operate in a complex environment and influence stakeholders at all levels. While assurance experience would be beneficial, we're particularly interested in candidates with strong risk management expertise.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Significant experience in enterprise, portfolio, programme or project risk management within a large and complex organisation.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify trends, assess impacts and provide practical recommendations.
• Experience advising senior leaders, governance groups or executive stakeholders on strategic and operational risks.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships and influence outcomes across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Experience developing or improving risk management frameworks, processes and reporting approaches.
• A relevant qualification in risk management, business, portfolio/programme/project management, engineering or a related discipline.

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 Thursday 15 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.

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.