Policy Advisor – Protective Security Requirements (PSR)

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Policy Advisor | Kaitohutohu Kaupapahere - Protective Security Requirements (PSR)

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 New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) | Te Pā Whakamarumaru, we are dedicated to our mission of keeping Aotearoa New Zealand and our people safe and secure. We collect and analyse intelligence and security concerns to protect New Zealand from threats such as foreign interference, espionage and terrorism.

About the role:

Are you passionate about shaping policy and driving positive change? Use your policy skills to contribute to New Zealand's security by helping to keep the Protective Security Requirements (PSR) fit for purpose in a dynamic threat environment. You will be responsible for:

• Developing and improving PSR policies, guidance and products, ensuring they are clear, easy to use, and informed by the needs of our customers.
• Providing advice to our customers, which include both government and non-government organisations.
• Contributing to other work streams across the NZ Intelligence Community, including countering foreign interference. 
• Working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders across the NZ Intelligence Community and beyond.

This is a fantastic opportunity to be a part of our collegial, supportive and joined-up PSR Unit.

Why work for us

Alongside getting to work with our talented people, we also offer a range of comprehensive benefits which include:

• Medical Insurance and Vision Care packages
• Enhanced employer contributions to your Kiwisaver
• Generous leave benefits, including additional paid days off and enhanced sick and parental leave
• Childcare allowance for your preschoolers
• Onsite free gym
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth and career pathways across the intelligence community
• Flexible working options, and great work-life balance

Who we're looking for

You're highly self-motivated with excellent communication skills and the ability to motivate others. You have strong analytical skills with a creative and pragmatic approach.

You will also bring:

• Experience as a policy advisor in core government policy and/or operational policy.
• Ideally, experience in providing policy advice to Ministers, Cabinet or governance boards. 

We'll review applications and respond at the end of January. Interviews will be held in February 2025.

 
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 years

OR

Hold 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-tool

The 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 our Myth Busting booklet: https://beyondordinary.nzic.govt.nz/mythbusting