Specialist Cyber Security Assurance

University of Otago; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Five weeks' annual leave

6.75% superannuation

Job summary

University of Otago in Dunedin is seeking a Specialist Cyber Security Assurance to advise on security controls across digital projects and information assets. You will champion a secure-by-design approach and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders to embed security across the university.

The successful candidate will bring hands-on cyber security consulting experience, familiarity with security frameworks, and a strong understanding of disaster recovery and business continuity.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Computer Science or related field.
• Experience applying security frameworks such as NIST CSF, CIS Critical Controls, or HISF.
• Proven stakeholder engagement and consulting skills.
• Understanding of New Zealand regulatory requirements and public sector governance.

Responsibilities

• Consult on, assess, report on, and track cyber security assurance activities across digital projects.
• Test and validate the application of security controls using a secure-by-design approach.
• Manage stakeholder relationships and collaborate with projects to deploy secure solutions.
• Provide practical, consultative guidance to embed a culture of security and compliance.

Skills

Cyber security

Security controls

Stakeholder engagement

Consulting

Disaster recovery

Business continuity

Regulatory compliance

Secure-by-design

Security frameworks

Education

Bachelor's or higher in Computer Science or related field

Job description

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University of Otago – Dunedin, South Island

Come join the University and be part of its success as a key member of the University's Cyber Security and Identity team.

Here at Digital Services we are responsible for the provision, maintenance, and support of information and communication technologies and business systems within the University of Otago community.

We are one of the largest ICT operations in NZ, supporting 27,000 users, a big network across multiple campuses and a huge range of systems.

The role | Te mahi

As Specialist Cyber Security Assurance you'll act as a trusted internal advisor on security controls, consulting on and assessing cyber security assurance activities across Otago's digital projects and information assets.

You'll assist teams in following a secure-by-design approach, applying and validating security controls to ensure our information assets are protected. As part of the wider Cyber Security and Identity team, you will have a strong support network and a wide range of opportunities in other areas including cyber operations as well as identity and access management.

This role is also about partnership and influence. You'll advise digital projects on appropriate security controls and collaborate with stakeholders across the University to embed a culture of security and compliance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Consulting on, assessing, reporting on, and tracking cyber security assurance activities across digital projects.
• Testing and validating the application of security controls using a secure-by-design approach.
• Managing stakeholder relationships and engaging with projects to help them deploy secure solutions.

Ideally, you will be an experienced and proactive cyber security professional with a strong technical background and the confidence to engage effectively across a wide range of stakeholders. You’ll bring solid industry experience, a clear understanding of security frameworks, and the ability to provide practical, consultative guidance that supports organisational security outcomes.

The successful candidate will also:

• Hold a tertiary qualification in Computer Science or a related field, with proven experience in information or cyber security.
• Demonstrate experience applying recognised security frameworks such as NIST CSF, CIS Critical Controls, or HISF.
• Bring proven stakeholder engagement capability with a collaborative, partnership focused approach.
• Have hands on experience in technical cyber security consulting and implementing security controls.
• Have a strong understanding of Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity.
• Ideally hold postgraduate study or certifications such as CIA, CISA, SC 100, CISSP, or CompTIA Security .
• Show a track record of driving continuous improvement in large or complex environments.
• Understand New Zealand regulatory requirements and public sector governance.
• Bring familiarity with Te Reo Māori, tikanga and mātauranga Māori in a workplace context.

This is a full‑time (37.5 hours), permanent position. We have a strong preference that the role is located in Ōtepoti, Dunedin, however we will consider work from one of our satellite campuses.

We offer a competitive salary, five weeks' annual leave, a 6.75% superannuation scheme, and the ability to achieve real work/life balance.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this position.

Candidates who successfully reach the final stages of the selection process will be required to undergo a police vetting check. A satisfactory report from the relevant agency will be a condition of employment.

For further information regarding the role please contact Andrew Reed, via the contact details below.