Communications and Engagement Advisor

Put yourself at the heart of New Zealand's cyber defence

We have an exciting opportunity for a communications professional to challenge themselves in a truly unique and stimulating environment where they will be helping to improve New Zealand's cyber security and resilience.

About the role:

In this role, you will be developing and delivering communications products, services and advice for the GCSB's National Cyber Security Centre. You will have responsibility for some of the NCSC's high-profile communications outputs, including our quarterly reports, and you will be involved with the award-winning Own Your Online education campaign.

Engagement is also an important part of this role, and it includes managing media requests, liaising with other organisations, and supporting the communications response to cyber security incidents.

Who are we looking for?

Given the critical reliance of NCSC on trust and relationships with its stakeholders, combined with the fast-paced nature of the unit, the quality of communications planning and delivery will be a key area of success.

Your expertise and skills in the following areas will be fundamental to your success:

• A tertiary qualification with a focus in a relevant area such as communications, journalism, and/or public relations
• Demonstrated experience (2 years+) of working in a communications role
• Experience with developing and implementing communications plans
• Proven written communication skills, including preparing material for media, speeches, web and internal audiences; and producing information for a range of channels.
• Demonstrated relationship management skills
• A genuine interest in cyber security, and the ability to translate technical concepts into everyday language
• Desirable - Previous experience as a journalist/newsroom experience.
• Desirable - An understanding of national security matters, the National Security System, and the role of GCSB and NZSIS within that system.

To be successful in this role you will be enthusiastic and self-motivated. Our ideal candidate will have the ability to work collaboratively within the NZIC as well as with other agencies, deliver to deadlines, use sound judgement and have excellent interpersonal skills.

Why Join Us?

Alongside getting to work with other 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
• Great work-life balance

If you have a passion for national security, a knack for policy and risk management, and thrive in an operational environment, we encourage you to apply and become part of our team.

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:

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:

You can also learn more about our work and understand our areas of focus by reading New Zealand's Security Threat Environment | New Zealand Security Intelligence Service