Senior Operational Policy Advisor

Join our diverse and talented people and work at the heart of national security, providing essential intelligence to the NZ government to protect New Zealand and its people.

At the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) | Te Tira Tiaki, our mission is to protect and enhance Aotearoa New Zealand's security and wellbeing. We provide Signals Intelligence and Cyber Security and resilience to organisations of national significance to successfully navigate in an unpredictable world.

Alongside getting to work with our talented people, we also offer a range of comprehensive benefits which include:

Medical Insurance and Vision Care packages
Enhanced employer contributions to your Kiwisaver
Generous Leave benefits, including additional paid days off and enhanced sick and parental leave
Childcare allowance for your preschoolers
Onsite free gym
Opportunities for personal and professional growth and career pathways across the intelligence community
Great work-life balance

We are looking for our next Senior Operational Policy Advisor within our Legal and Compliance Directorate in the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB).

Can you take technical and legal requirements and create effective operational policy?
Are you interested in a unique and stimulating work environment?
Do you want to be part of a motivated team which is committed to making a difference to all New Zealanders?

If you can say yes to the above questions - then read on. As trusted legal, policy and compliance advisors, we ensure the success of GCSB's mission now and into the future.

This role requires someone who has a solid understanding and experience of policy development and implementation and who wants to contribute their expertise in a public sector environment that is different from the rest. Is this you?

In this position you will:
Lead the provision of expert advice on operational policy to management within the GCSB
Be part of the entire policy process - both writing policy and also ensuring that all policy across GCSB is of the highest quality
Identify policy gaps and work with teams across GCSB to ensure there is a full policy suite
Identify implementation requirements

In turn, you will work in a collaborative, supportive environment that will allow you to deliver excellent quality policy outcomes within a unique, stimulating and flexible work setting. To be successful in this role you will also need:

A minimum of 3 - 5 years' experience in policy development
Highly developed conceptual and analytical skills
Maturity, political nous, sound judgement and excellent interpersonal skills
An appropriate graduate level tertiary qualification, preferably in public policy or law
Desirable - Understanding and experience of the New Zealand Intelligence Community

If this sounds like you and you can demonstrate the above requirements, we are keen to hear from you.

Before you apply

Working within our unique environment means we have to ensure you're eligible for employment.

You must:
Have been a New Zealand Citizen for at least 10 years

OR

Hold a current NZ Residency Class Visa and ideally have been a citizen of the UK, USA, Canada or Australia for at least 10 years

Be eligible to obtain a Top Secret Special (TSS) security clearance

Ordinarily, this means you'll have a 15 year checkable background in countries NZSIS Vetting can make meaningful and reliable checks.

Still unsure? Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a TSS security clearance: http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool

The NZIC treats all applications for employment in the strictest confidence, and we expect that you maintain a similar level of confidentiality during the recruitment process and throughout your career.

We'll provide you with information and tips throughout the recruitment process, but in the meantime check out our Myth Busting booklet: https://beyondordinary.nzic.govt.nz/mythbusting .

Job Details

Reference #

8703

Location(s)

Wellington

Salary

Band H $103,00+ (+0%) - $131,622 (115%)

Midpoint of the salary range (100%) reflects full competence in the role

Closes on

15 Jun 2026 23:55

Work type(s)

Permanent full-time

Job level(s)

Experienced

Expertise

Policy
 
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