Senior Organisational Psychologist

**Mo te tunga | About the role**

Our Strategic Programmes Team is part of the Organisational Development Unit that is within our Directorate of Psychology. The Directorate of Psychology (DoP) is responsible for providing specialist services in the field of organisational and military psychology.

DoP delivers services in support of uniformed members of the NZDF, in the areas of selection and assessment, individual readiness, organisational development and learning and development.

Our Senior Organisational Psychologists sit within the Strategic Programmes Team and are responsible for leading the research, design and delivery of NZDF's organisational psychology initiatives, ensuring alignment for our organisational and people strategy.

Key responsibilities:

- Build the capability and engagement of our people using a member (people) centred approach.
- Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with key stakeholders.
- Design fit for purpose organisational psychology interventions and initiatives.
- Provide professional psychological advice and services reflective of best practice across key areas of workforce capability development.
- Assessment and selection management to support operational readiness.
- Provide specialist advice and training on selection practices to NZDF units and personnel.
- Design, deliver, and evaluate training to units and personnel that enhances unit performance and team functioning.

This role is available at either Whenuapai Auckland, Burnham Christchurch or Wellington CBD at Defence House.

**Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and Experience**

You will have exposure to organisational development, designing and leading high-impact initiatives as well as experience delivering interventions across a range of organisational contexts.

You will also have:

- Excellent negotiation, interpersonal, and communications skills.
- Proven relationship management skills within a large, complex matrix organisation.
- Experience delivering psychology services to the different requirements of customers, partners and stakeholders.
- Experience with research design, analysis, reporting and evaluation.

It would be advantageous if you already hold National Security Clearance.

**Nou te rourou | What's in it for you**

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning - safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all - irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics - NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

**Me pehea te tuku tono | How to Apply**

Applications close on **Monday 21 July 2025**.

Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.

**Please Note**:

- Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
- Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.

**Please Note**:
To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:
Higher Level Security Clearance
- You **must** be a New Zealand citizen **or** you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence **or** have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
- At minimum, you **must** hold New Zealand Permanent Residence **or** have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, **and** you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years.
- You **must** have a ten (10) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.