Cyber Security Specialist at Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade, Wellington

The Ministry acts in the world to build a safer, more prosperous and more sustainable future for New Zealanders.

Kia hangai ake e te Manatu he ao-haumaru, ao-tonui, ao-pumau, ki te oranga tonutanga mo Aotearoa whanui.  

• Keep our people, information and systems safe  
• Join a diverse team in a unique organisation with a global footprint
• Wellington based – Permanent role

Help us to ensure we have cyber security measures in place to protect our people and our systems across our global organisation!

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role  

Our Cyber Security Team is responsible for overseeing cyber security and assurance within the Ministry here in New Zealand, as well as across our Embassies and Consulates around the world.  We make sure that our Information and Cyber Security aligns with National Security guidelines and industry best practice. 

With the constantly evolving Cyber Security landscape, the Ministry’s adoption of new technology and our steady progression towards more Cloud based systems, we have identified the need to expand our team of Cyber Security Specialists.

As a Cyber Security Specialist within our collaborative and supportive team, your role will support the information and cyber security operational activities of the Ministry by ensuring appropriate security measures are in place.   In particular you will:

 work with our IT Security Manager (ITSM) to develop, maintain, and communicate security policies and guidelines

• Assist in Security operating centre (SOC)
• develop and manage assurance activities
• undertake monitoring and reporting on compliance
• contribute to improving the security of our systems
• provide input to Ministry-wide projects
• assist other security personnel within the Ministry
• create and contribute to cyber security training and awareness and,
• respond to cyber security incidents

For more detail you can view a copy of the position description here.

The full salary range for this role is $104,670 to $141,612 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution. The midpoint is $123,141. We expect to appoint around the midpoint depending on your level of skills and experience.  

Mā‎ wai te mahi nei? – Who are we looking for?

We’d like to hear from you if you are customer focused information security specialist with excellent communication and relationship management skills.   

 To be considered for this role you will have:

• Cloud security
• Network Security
• Website security
• Security Risk Assessments

Ideally you will also have a good understanding of tikanga (Māori customs and protocols), with the ability to weave te ao Māori (the Māori worldview) into your work. If you are just starting on this journey that’s OK too – as long as you have a willingness to learn and a desire to develop your cultural capability.  As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, this is important to us and we offer training and support. 

Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Aorere - Why MFAT?

We are committed to a focus on leadership, talent, training and development, and flexible work options.  Check out our benefits page to find out more about why we love working here.

MFAT is Rainbow Tick accredited. We value diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive culture where everyone feels supported, valued, and a sense of belonging.  We welcome applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds. 

You can find out more about our staff networks and our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here

Mō mātou - About us

Our people represent New Zealand on and offshore, and in doing so make New Zealanders safer and more prosperous.  By building connections with and influencing other countries and international institutions, we advance New Zealand’s interests and pursue New Zealand's values.  We provide advice to the Government on the implications for New Zealand of what is happening in the world. 

Me pēhea te tuku tono - To Apply/Interested?

Apply today with your CV and cover letter.

For a confidential discussion please call/email Rosie Walash on Rosie.Walsh@mfat.govt.nz

To be employed with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade you must be a NZ citizen.

You must be able to obtain and maintain a Confidential security clearance. Ordinarily, to obtain this level of clearance candidates must have sufficient checkable background in countries where meaningful and reliable checks can be undertaken. Where requisite checks are unable to be made, the candidate application may not be able to be progressed.

Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a Confidential clearance. Please note that this tool is not part of the formal security clearance process: http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool

Please Let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Applications close at midnight on Friday, 1 November 2024.

Please note: This is not a Foreign Policy/diplomatic role.  This is a ‘Corporate’ role (known here as a Specialist role) based in central Wellington, NZ.  

While it is not usual for specialist staff to be ‘posted’ outside of NZ, from time to time a specialist role overseas becomes available at one of our embassies, high commissions, missions or consulates. To be considered for one of these positions you would need to apply and be considered via a competitive recruitment process.

If you do have an interest in an MFAT foreign policy/diplomatic career, you would be welcome to apply for this either via our graduate recruitment or mid-level foreign policy recruitment campaigns.