Principal/Senior Policy Advisor (Operations)

New Zealand Government; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) in Wellington seeks a Principal/Senior Policy Advisor (Operations) to lead and oversee operational policy suites and enable innovative, compliant responses to evolving threats.

You will engage with international partners and senior leaders, coach teams, and translate legislative requirements into agile policies that work at an operational level while strengthening a robust compliance culture.

Qualifications

• Graduate-level tertiary qualification.
• Experience at senior or principal policy level.
• Ability to translate legislation into clear operational policies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee GCSB's operational policy suites.
• Resolve complex policy challenges for innovative responses.
• Engage with international partners and senior leaders.

Skills

Strategic policy oversight

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Graduate-level tertiary qualification

Job description

# Principal/Senior Policy Advisor (Operations) at Government Communications Security Bureau, Wellington## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role*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. **Help Shape the Framework of New Zealand’s National Security**At GCSB, our operational missions are only as effective as the policies that enable them. We are looking for a Principal and/or Senior Advisor to be part of our team. We oversee the policy suite that gives our operational teams the confidence to innovate and make sound decisions. This isn't a standard policy role. You will be working on high-stakes problems in an environment where the ‘rules’ must be both robust to ensure compliance and flexible to enable innovation. While we can’t share the specifics of our work, the impact of your contribution will be significant.***Mō te tūranga mahi – About the role***In these roles you will:* Lead and contribute to the strategic oversight of GCSB’s operational policy suites, including a programme of work to refresh our approach to operational policy.* Resolve complex policy challenges to enable innovative responses to a rapidly evolving threat environment* Engage with international partners, counterparts across the Intelligence Community, senior leaders and operational teams* Coach, mentor and grow the capability of the team while continuing to develop your own professional expertise* Play a key role in cultivating a strong, enabling compliance culture in the GCSB***Ko wai koe – About you***We value diverse perspectives and don’t expect you to tick every box. If you bring other relevant experience and think you’ll add value to the role, we encourage you to apply.To be successful in one of these roles you’ll most likely have:* A sophisticated understanding of risk, able to balance flexibility to allow for operational innovation with the need to maintain essential safeguards.* Experience at senior or principal level, or be ready to step up to this level* Sound judgement and a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach* Proven ability to translate legislative requirements and strategic intent into clear, agile operational policies that are understood and applicable at an operational level.* Excellent relationship building and influencing skills across a diverse range of stakeholders* A genuine curiosity to understand our operations and the ability to ask the right questions to build the level of understanding needed to support operations* For the Principal role, experience providing strategic oversight of a policy suite, ensuring policies empower good operational decision-making, align with organisational objectives and remain fit for purpose* An appropriate graduate level tertiary qualification* Knowledge of New Zealand’s intelligence sector or national security matters is desirable, but not required**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 yearsORHold 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-toolThe 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 some of our Security FAQs here The security clearance process | Beyond Ordinary CareersYou can also learn more about our work and understand our areas of focus by reading New Zealand's Security Threat Environment | New Zealand Security Intelligence Service## Ngā taipitopito tūranga mahi | Job details| | || --- | --- || Employer: | Government Communications Security Bureau || Location: | Wellington || Position type: | Ongoing - Full Time || Category: | Policy & analysis || Date listed: | 23-Sep-2026 || Salary range: | $100,000 - $130,000 || Closing date: | 20-Oct-2026 || Reference: | 10462 || Attachment: | No File Attached || File links: | || Website: | http://www.gcsb.govt.nz/ |