Advisor Personnel Security

Full job description
Mo te tunga | About the role

You will be identifying, assessing and managing personnel security risks as part of Defence Security within the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF). This is a people focused role which requires continuous engagement with people going through challenging circumstances and determining pathways which will directly affect their lives.

The main responsibilities of this role include:

Undertaking case work to assess the suitability of NZDF personnel to gain and maintain a National Security Clearance.
Briefing and debriefing command and/or management on cases.
Undertaking case interviews to understand situations and determine outcomes.
Writing in depth assessments and Security Management Plans to support case decisions.
Liaising with internal and external stakeholders to gather information to assist with cases and to promote security awareness.
Presenting on subject matter for NZDF personnel, including on camps and bases.
Supporting and assisting other team members as required.
This role is based in Wellington CBD, close to trains and buses. You must be able to travel domestically on a regular basis.

Once you have undergone training and are up to speed, there is the option of flexible working arrangements.

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.

Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and Experience

People are at the heart of what we do. You will need to be able to connect with individuals at a human level, with compassion and discretion to build trust and strong rapport while still being able to apply sound judgement to determine the best course of action. This role requires strong communication skills with the ability to both speak and write succinctly in order to ensure information is clearly understood and applied by a wide range of people at all levels of the organisation.

Ideally, you will also have:

Experience in undertaking investigations, risk identification, assessment, and management processes within a government environment.
An understanding and application of relevant policy, procedures, and legislation regarding protective security.
The ability to work with discretion and confidentiality, while dealing with a wide range of difficult topics and situations.
A Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Behavioural Science, Security, Policing or proven related experience would be welcomed.
As mentioned above, the ability to travel domestically on a regular basis which means you maybe away from home for a few days at a time.
You must have a clean Class 1 Full Driver's Licence.

Nou 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 pehea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close on Monday 14 July 2025.

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.

NZDF is currently undertaking a Workforce Savings Programme (WSP) to realise efficiencies and required enduring savings, in which NZDF has proposed some changes to the organisational structure of its civilian workforce. At this point in time this position is not proposed to be affected. We welcome your application for this important role and want to let you know that if the WSP is likely to impact on the role you are applying for, we will let you know at the earliest opportunity.

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.

New Zealand
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