Principal Advisor Security Policy

New Zealand Defence Force; Wellington; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life cover

Critical illness protection

Discounted insurances

Free will services

Mortgage guidance

Job summary

New Zealand Defence Force in Wellington seeks an experienced policy professional to lead the Defence Security policy programme, shaping strategic direction and advising senior leaders on security policy, governance, and regulatory matters.

You will translate legislation into practical policy solutions, develop policy instruments for PSR compliance, and drive projects from inception to evaluation while building strong relationships across government and defence communities.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading policy development within a large and complex organisation.
• Exceptional policy writing and analytical skills.
• Experience interpreting legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing capability.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation and review of security policy across NZDF.
• Provide high-quality policy advice to senior leaders on security, governance and regulatory matters.
• Translate legislative, regulatory and government requirements into practical policy solutions.
• Develop and maintain policy instruments supporting compliance with the New Zealand Protective Security Requirements (PSR).
• Lead policy projects from inception through to implementation and evaluation.
• Build strong relationships across government, defence, intelligence and security communities.
• Monitor emerging security risks and trends to inform future policy direction.

Skills

Policy development

Policy writing

Regulatory interpretation

Stakeholder engagement

Security policy

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

New Zealand Defence Force – Wellington, North Island

Bring your policy expertise to one of New Zealand's most unique policy environments. Lead the development of security policy that helps protect NZDF people, information, assets and capabilities, while supporting New Zealand's defence and national security interests.

Reporting to the Manager Security Policy and Enhancement, you will lead NZDF's Defence Security policy programme and provide expert advice to senior leaders on security policy, governance and regulatory matters. You will shape strategic direction, influence enterprise decision-making, and ensure policy frameworks remain effective, practical and aligned with government requirements.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the development, implementation and review of security policy across NZDF.
• Provide high-quality policy advice to senior leaders on security, governance and regulatory matters.
• Translate legislative, regulatory and government requirements into practical policy solutions.
• Develop and maintain policy instruments supporting compliance with the New Zealand Protective Security Requirements (PSR).
• Lead policy projects from inception through to implementation and evaluation.
• Build strong relationships across government, defence, intelligence and security communities.
• Monitor emerging security risks and trends to inform future policy direction.

We are seeking an experienced policy professional who can provide strategic advice, influence senior decision-makers and deliver high-quality policy outcomes in a complex environment.

To be successful, you will bring:

• Significant experience leading policy development within a large and complex organisation.
• Exceptional policy writing and analytical skills.
• Experience interpreting legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing capability.

Experience in security, intelligence, defence, regulatory, risk or compliance environments, along with knowledge of the Protective Security Requirements (PSR), would be advantageous.

This second option tends to be the sweet spot: it remains easy to scan online while still reading like an advert rather than a position description.

Nōu 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.

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.