Principal Advisor, International Strategy and Engagement

Are you passionate about advancing New Zealand's security in a complex and ever-changing world?
We are looking for dynamic and highly skilled individual to join our team of expert advisors on international strategy and engagement supporting senior leadership of both the GCSB and NZSIS.
Mō te tūranga mahi - about the role
Working at the heart of both organisations, you will be part of a fast-paced, varied and exciting work programme that seeks to maximise the value of the agencies' engagement with international partners.
This includes advancing NZSIS and GCSB objectives, as well as contribution to broader national security, defence, and foreign policy priorities as relevant.
**We are looking for an experienced principal advisor to**:
Play a lead role within the international engagement team and closely support the manager in delivering strategic outputs;
Build key relationships with New Zealand's most important international security partners, ensuring our reputation is protected and enhanced;
Use expert knowledge to enhance the agencies' programme of international engagement activity and provide strategic advice to senior leadership teams on international relations;
Provide policy leadership and convene across the New Zealand Intelligence Community on issues of relevance to our international relationships.
Support and advise our liaison officers to ensure their work programmes advance international engagement objectives;
Lead elements of delivery of important outputs involving our international partnerships;
Provide senior guidance and mentoring to colleagues in support of capability development.
Ko wai koe - about you
As an experienced practitioner in high complexity public sector roles, preferably with a focus on national security, defence, or foreign policy. You will have a keen interest in understanding New Zealand's international environment, and a strong drive to deliver enhanced national security outcomes for all New Zealanders.
You will have excellent judgement, problem solving and communication skills (written and verbal), and a focus on building effective and productive relationships.
**Why join us**:
Alongside a portfolio of extremely meaningful and interesting work, we 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
The appointing range for this position is $142,093 - $151,566 per annum.
We have positions available at both the Principal and Senior Advisor level. Please also see our currently advertised Senior Advisor vacancy.
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.
Job Details
Reference #
9066
Location(s)
Wellington
Salary
Band J $142,093 (90%) - $181,564(115%)
Midpoint of the salary range (100%) reflects full competence in the role
Closes on
16 Sep 2025 23:55
Work type(s)
Permanent full-time
Job level(s)
Experienced
Expertise
Customer Service, Policy