Advisor Security

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 78,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki is seeking an Advisor Security to strengthen protective security across the organisation. You will advise on Protective Security Requirements, physical security and workplace safety, while supporting site security planning and risk management across Wellington offices and communities.

You will work with leaders, property teams, and business groups to embed a security-conscious culture, ensuring staff safety and secure information and assets.

Qualifications

• Experience with the NZ Government Protective Security Requirements (PSR) framework.
• Experience in personnel and physical security.
• Ability to interpret site plans and work with property/facilities teams on security initiatives.
• Experience supporting organizations during security incidents or heightened risk.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and clear communication skills.
• Understanding of tikanga Māori and Pacific cultures.

Responsibilities

• Provide trusted advice on Protective Security Requirements and physical/workplace security.
• Advise on site security planning and security risk management across offices and residences.
• Support staff and leadership during security incidents and heightened risk situations.
• Build credible relationships across all levels of the organization and with property teams.
• Promote a security-conscious culture and embed best practices.

Skills

PSR framework

Personnel security

Physical security

Security risk management

Stakeholder engagement

Written & verbal communication

Cross-cultural practices

Clearance eligibility

Job description

Key role in supporting the safety, security and resilience of Oranga Tamariki kaimahi and the tamariki and whānau we supportWellington-based at the National Office on The TerracePermanent, full-time opportunityPlease 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 te tūnga | About the roleThis 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 bringKey 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’ cultureA 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 requirementsNational 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 youOranga 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.To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to ApplyApply online with your CV and Cover Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.If you have any questions about role, please contact [e-mail] 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.