Advisor Security

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children; Paraparaumu; On-site; NZD 78,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Wellbeing programs

Training & development

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children in Wellington invites applications for an Advisor Security. This critical advisory role strengthens protective security across the organisation, working with leaders, property teams and business groups to keep people, workplaces, information and assets safe.

You will implement Protective Security Requirements (PSR), especially Physical Security policy, and advise on security risk management, site security planning and incident response.

Qualifications

• Proven experience within NZ Government Protective Security Requirements (PSR) framework.
• Strong understanding of personnel security, including lifecycle and vetting.
• Experience advising on physical security and workplace security.
• Ability to interpret site plans and collaborate with property and facilities teams.
• Experience supporting organisations during security incidents and high-risk situations.
• Excellent relationship management and stakeholder engagement across all levels.
• Clear written and verbal communication with practical, influential advice.
• Understanding of tikanga Māori and Pacific peoples' culture.
• Full NZ driver's licence, right to work in NZ, and eligibility for National Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Provide trusted advice on protective security across Oranga Tamariki.
• Support PSR implementation and mandatory requirements.
• Advise on workplace safety, site security planning and risk management.
• Build relationships across business units to promote security best practices.
• Support staff and leaders during security-related incidents.

Skills

PSR knowledge

Personnel security

Security risk management

Stakeholder engagement

Site plans interpretation

Written and verbal communication

Cross-cultural awareness

Driver's license

New Zealand work rights

Job description

• Key role in supporting the safety, security and resilience of Oranga Tamariki kaimahi and the tamariki and whānau we support
• Wellington-based at the National Office on The Terrace
• Permanent, full-time opportunity

Please note: Due to the upcoming holiday period and security clearance requirements, we anticipate the successful candidate will commence in the role in late January 2027, subject to notice periods and onboarding arrangements.

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

This Advisor Security opportunity is a critical advisory role responsible for supporting and strengthening protective security across Oranga Tamariki. Working closely with leaders, property teams, and business groups across the organisation, you'll provide trusted advice on how we keep our people, workplaces, information and assets safe.

As the Advisor Security, you will support and provide advice on the implementation of Protective Security Requirements (PSR) specifically, Physical Security (PHYSEC) policy and mandatory requirements. You'll also support broader protective security priorities including workplace safety considerations, site security planning, and advising staff and leaders during security-related and high-risk situations. Working across all business units, you'll build strong relationships, influence good security practice, and help embed a security-conscious culture that enables our people to safely carry out their work in offices, residences and communities across Aotearoa.

Importantly, this is not an IT or cyber security role. While you will work within the wider security environment, the focus of the position is on protective, personnel and physical security, rather than technical information security, networks, systems, or cyber defence.

This role is based in our Wellington National Office. Candidates for this role are required to already be based in the Wellington region or be willing to relocate for this opportunity.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Key requirements of the role include:

• Proven experience working within the New Zealand Government Protective Security Requirements (PSR) framework.
• Strong understanding of personnel security, including the employee lifecycle and security vetting requirements.
• Experience providing advice on physical security, workplace security, and security risk management.
• Ability to interpret site plans and work collaboratively with property and facilities teams on security initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience supporting organisations and staff during security incidents, threats, or heightened risk situations.
• Excellent relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build credibility across all levels of an organisation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the confidence to provide clear, practical, and influential advice and reports.
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples’ culture
• A full clean New Zealand drivers’ licence, the valid right to work in New Zealand, and the eligibility to obtain and maintain a National Security Clearance are mandatory requirements

National Security Clearance: To hold this position, you must be able to obtain and maintain a SECRET government security clearance. In order to achieve this you must be a New Zealand citizen or resident who has resided continuously in this country for 10 years, OR a citizen of Australia, Canada, The United Kingdom, or The United States of America; and have resided continuously in one or more of those countries for the past 10 years prior to application, with a background history which is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the NZSIS towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at a high level.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $77,886 and $86,082 dependent on experience.

We also offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

Applications for this role close at midnight on Thursday 19 November 2026.

We may begin reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to the closing date, so early applications are encouraged.

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.