Lead Advisor Personnel Security

About the Role

Join the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) as a Lead Advisor Personnel Security in Wellington, where you will play a pivotal role in managing people-related security risks across the organisation. Your counsel will support building a trusted, security-focused workforce and strengthen organisational resilience by shaping personnel security frameworks and policies. This full-time permanent position offers a flexible working arrangement of three to four days in the office and one to two days remote weekly, with a salary range of NZD 118,390 to 143,639 plus KiwiSaver and wellness benefits.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on complex personnel security issues including suitability, security clearances, insider risk, and other security concerns relating to personnel.
• Collaborate with People and Culture teams, managers, security staff, and external partners to enhance personnel security capability organization-wide.
• Develop, implement, and influence personnel security policies, procedures, and frameworks aligned with government Protective Security Requirements.
• Support a practical, risk-based approach that facilitates positive business outcomes and effective security risk management throughout the employment lifecycle.

Required Skills and Experience

• In-depth knowledge of Government Protective Security Requirements, especially personnel security standards.
• Significant experience in personnel security, vetting, integrity assessments, investigations, or personnel assurance roles.
• Proven ability to advise on security clearances, suitability assessments, and ongoing personnel monitoring.
• Manage or contribute to responses involving personnel security incidents or insider threat issues.
• Experience developing personnel security guidance within complex organisations.
• Strong understanding of the employment lifecycle and the interplay between HR practices and security risk.
• Ability to engage effectively with business owners, managers, and senior leaders, establishing trusted relationships.
• Sound judgment and discretion when providing subject matter expertise in sensitive or high-risk environments.
• Adaptability to rapidly changing business and risk contexts.

Eligibility and Security Clearance

• Legal right to live and work in New Zealand.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret national security clearance.
• Applicants must be New Zealand citizens or residents with at least 10 years continuous residence, or citizens of Australia, Canada, the UK, or the USA with 10 years continuous residence in one or more of these countries.

About MBIE

MBIE aims to foster a resilient and high-performing economy that improves quality of life for all New Zealanders by supporting productive businesses, expanding job opportunities, and enhancing housing affordability. The organisation fosters a values-driven culture emphasizing collaboration, boldness, future-building, and accountability. MBIE upholds the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi through active partnerships with Māori organisations and iwi to promote economic and social development.

Application Process

Interested candidates should prepare a CV and cover letter illustrating their suitability for this role. All applications must be submitted through MBIE's online recruitment process before the closing date of 29 July 2026. For enquiries, contact Jess Dalbeth at [email protected] quoting reference MBIE/19838.