Job Description
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
We are currently seeking a highly motivated and engaged Principal Analyst to work with Customs in supporting a newly established Ministerial Advisory Group on Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime! This is a fixed term or secondment opportunity to September 2025 and will be based in our Wellington Customhouse.
The TSOC Ministerial Advisory Group
In November 2024, Cabinet agreed to establish a Ministerial Advisory Group (the "MAG") on Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime (TSOC) to provide independent advice and recommendations on opportunities and ways that New Zealand's law enforcement and regulatory agencies can work together more effectively to detect, deter and dismantle transnational, serious and organised criminal groups.
The Minister is seeking a step-change in the way government law enforcement and regulatory agencies work individually, and together to detect, deter, and dismantle serious and organised criminal groups. The Minister also intends refreshing and integrating the current Transnational Organised Crime Strategy and the Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities strategic framework.
This is in response to the increasing harm caused by organised criminal groups that impacts New Zealand whānau, communities and the economy. The MAG's advice is expected to contribute to operational practice in New Zealand. The work undertaken by the MAG will also inform elements of the TSOC Strategy refresh.
The MAG is independent from Customs, but the support staff will be hosted by Customs and report to Customs management.
About this role…
The Principal Analyst TSOC Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) provides the primary support to the MAG in developing detailed and quality advice for the Minister on:
- the gaps, blockages, and obstacles (including organisational cultural issues) hindering effective and efficient cross-agency collaboration between government agencies to identify, investigate and prosecute TSOC activity in New Zealand
- options to disrupt TSOC activity through regulatory enforcement (including prosecution) both as individual, agency-specific activity and in collective, targeted operations
- engaging government regulatory agencies to actively work with law enforcement agencies to detect, disrupt and dismantle TSOC groups and activity
- overseas jurisdictions that use a combined regulatory and law enforcement approach to the disruption and prosecution of TSOC activity and how these approaches could be applied in the New Zealand context
- the optimal Cross-government governance arrangements to ensure government interagency collaboration in the investigation and prosecution of TSOC.
It is expected that this role will also work collaboratively with the TNOC secretariat and members to understand the moving TSOC landscape and organisational focus areas, to understand, and contribute to, the TSOC strategy, and incorporate all lessons learned into the development of advice for the MAG to take to the Minister.
The indicative salary range for this role is between $125k - 160k per annum (prorated) dependent on relevant skills and experience.
To be successful in this role the following knowledge, experience, skills and personal attributes are required…
- Effective performance in Principal Advisor level roles within Government.
- Strong problem solving and decision-making capability, including the ability to identify problems, manage or mitigate risks and create innovative solutions that align with strategic direction.
- Excellent communication skills both verbally and written with the ability to communicate to complex information to wide ranging audiences at all levels.
- Ability to build and maintain effective internal relationships as well as identify and establish required external relationships building strength and rapport in maintaining and sustaining those relationships.
- Ability to organise own work and documentation in a methodical, efficient manner to ensure it is readily available and meets required standards.
- Proven track record in working within a project or advisory team in a relevant area to achieve high standards of excellence using project management principles to set priorities, goals and tracks progress to ensure objectives are achieved within a reasonable timeframe.
- A tertiary qualification (at least equivalent to Bachelors) in a relevant discipline, or recent relevant experience.
Working for New Zealand Customs…
To join Customs in any role you must be a New Zealand citizen or New Zealand permanent resident* and be able to obtain and maintain an Organisational Security clearance.
(*) A New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last five years, (including five years ago from the date of this application) and resides in New Zealand at time of application.
OR
A New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last five years, (including five years ago from the date of this application) and resides in New Zealand at time of application who has travelled out of New Zealand for short periods of time i.e. > 6 months in one of the following countries: Australia, United Kingdom, United States or Canada and can provide police certificates from those countries for the period of absence.
Because of the nature of Customs' work you must have a clear Police record. Organisational security clearances are mandatory and are conducted by Customs. You will also be required to pass a drug test.
You must have a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service towards a recommendation of suitability for security clearance at a higher level.
How to apply…
To express your interest, please apply online by submitting a CV and cover letter that demonstrates your ability to meet the competencies required for the role as outlined in the position description.
Please note that Customs will not accept any applications sent to an email address. All applications are required to be submitted online via our website.
For interest in a secondment, please ensure that you have the support of manager/people leader before applying.
Deadline for applications is 11pm, Sunday 12 January 2025.
New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa is a member of Diversity Works New Zealand and is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. It provides equal employment opportunities and welcomes applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role.
Customs | Te Mana Ārai supports flexible working arrangements and welcomes the opportunity to speak with you about your flexible working requirements.