Senior Advisor, Critical Infrastructure Cyber Security

Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet NZ; Wellington; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet NZ seeks a Senior Policy Adviser to lead regulatory policy work on cyber security for New Zealand’s critical infrastructure. You will develop options, Cabinet papers, and ministerial briefs, collaborating across government and industry to deliver resilient policy outcomes.

With at least 5 years’ policy experience and a tertiary qualification, you will influence major decisions, navigate security considerations, and drive impactful change in a

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a regulatory policy role.
• Experience delivering complex policy projects, driving work forward and meeting milestones.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to evaluate complex information to develop practical solutions.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with experience preparing high-quality analysis, briefings, and Cabinet papers.
• Proven track record of providing timely, high-quality policy advice.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to influence and build strong relationships across diverse stakeholders, including with industry.
• At least 5 years’ work experience, ideally in a policy or policy-adjacent role
• A tertiary qualification in a relevant field.
• Exposure to issues relating to critical infrastructure, national security and resilience is desirable.
• Enthusiasm and curiosity

Responsibilities

• Leading or co-leading significant components of DPMC’s policy programme to enhance the cyber security of New Zealand’s critical infrastructure system.
• Developing evidence-based policy options and recommendations to support Chief Executive and Ministerial decision-making.
• Preparing high-quality regulatory advice, Cabinet papers, and Ministerial briefings.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders across government, the infrastructure sector, and with international partners.

Skills

Regulatory policy

Analytical thinking

Written & verbal communication

Stakeholder engagement

Policy implementation

Education

Tertiary qualification in a relevant field

Job description

Senior Advisor, Critical Infrastructure Cyber Security

Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet NZ - Wellington, North Island

Senior Advisor, Critical Infrastructure Cyber Security

Wellington-based | Fixed term/Secondment Until December 2027 | Full-time role

About the Role

Are you passionate about making a tangible difference for Aotearoa New Zealand? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where your regulatory policy expertise can shape policy for secure and resilient critical infrastructure? We are seeking an exceptional Senior Policy Advisor to join our team at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC). This is your opportunity to deliver meaningful change, tackle complex challenges, and leave a lasting impact on New Zealand’s future.

About the Role

As a Senior Policy Adviser, you will play a pivotal role in developing and delivering high-quality policy and regulatory system design advice to improve the cyber security of New Zealand’s critical infrastructure system. Your work will address complex challenges and deliver impactful outcomes for New Zealanders.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading or co-leading significant components of DPMC’s policy programme to enhance the cyber security of New Zealand’s critical infrastructure system.
• Developing evidence-based policy options and recommendations to support Chief Executive and Ministerial decision-making.
• Preparing high-quality regulatory advice, Cabinet papers, and Ministerial briefings.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders across government, the infrastructure sector, and with international partners.

About You

We are looking for a high-performing individual with a proven track record in regulatory policy development and delivery. You will be a strategic thinker with a deep interest in building a resilient and secure New Zealand. You will be tenacious, results-driven, and committed to delivering change that leaves a lasting impact.

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• Significant experience in a regulatory policy role.
• Experience in delivering complex policy projects, driving work forward and meeting milestones.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to evaluate complex information to develop practical solutions.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with experience preparing high-quality analysis, briefings, and Cabinet papers.
• Proven track record of providing timely, high-quality policy advice.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to influence and build strong relationships across diverse stakeholders, including with industry.
• At least 5 years’ work experience, ideally in a policy or policy-adjacent role
• A tertiary qualification in a relevant field.
• Exposure to issues relating to critical infrastructure, national security and resilience is desirable.
• Enthusiasmand curiosity

You must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Special security clearance. Normally to obtain this level of clearance you must be a New Zealand citizen or hold a Resident class visa. Alternatively, you must have been a citizen of the UK, USA, Canada or Australia with a 15-year checkable background. To find out morecheck your eligibility for a TOP SECRET SPECIAL (TSS) security clearance.

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) supports the government of the day by leading, advising, stewarding and delivering activities across the public sector, and by providing dedicated advice and support to the Governor-General, Prime Minister and portfolio Ministers.

Working at DPMC means being at the heart of some of the most significant and impactful work in Aotearoa New Zealand. This role presents an opportunity to lead and contribute to the security and well-being of New Zealanders, working with smart and motivated people in an environment that values collaboration, innovation, and excellence. You'll be part of a high-performing organisation that prioritises professional development.

The mid-point for the role is $127,883 p/a inclusive of KiwiSaver. Appointments will be based on skills, experience and culture fit.

The closing date for this role is 25 August 2026. We will review applications as they are received.

Please note we are only able to consider applications from candidates who have the current right to work in NZ.