IT Graduate Programme 2026 (16 month Fixed Term)

Full job description
Join our diverse and talented people and work at the heart of national security, providing essential intelligence to the NZ government to protect New Zealand and its people.

Are you naturally curious?
Looking for unique challenges and loads of variety?
Want to make a difference and help keep our country safe?

The Intelligence Directorate (ID) within The Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) has an exciting IT Graduate Programme for those wanting something different. We are looking for intelligent, enthusiastic graduates to join us in protecting and enhancing New Zealand's security and wellbeing.

The Programme:
We are now hiring for our 2026 technical stream; this will suit those with strong skills and/or interest in computer science, data science, telecommunications, engineering (software, systems, network), software development and/or cyber security.

During our ID Technical Graduate programme you will learn more about our industry, and use your analytical and problem solving skills across different parts of ID. Our programme runs over 16 months with four x 4-month rotations within various areas of specialisation.

Who we are looking for:
Beyond excellent technical qualifications, successful graduates from previous years have demonstrated the following:

Strong critical and analytical skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Proven integrity, discretion and diplomacy
Proven team player
Proven academic success and broad life skills
Knowledge of international relations and interest in geopolitics
A strong desire to keep New Zealand and New Zealanders safe

Why work for us:
A supportive team environment - we have a friendly, collegiate and inclusive culture where you can focus and learn, and differences are respected.
Unique work - which involves thinking outside the box and coming up with original creative and analytical solutions.
While we can't tell you too much at this stage, we can tell you it won't be like any other opportunity you can find in New Zealand!
Variety with customised rotations - you will gain valuable industry understanding.
Extra benefits - flexible hours for work/life balance, a fun social club, in-house gym, health insurance and eye checks are just some of our everyday perks.

If you are up for the challenge and want to start your career with invaluable experience and training … apply with us today!

Tips when applying:
When submitting your application make sure you

show us your personality,
share where you would like your career to take you,
what interests you most about working for us, and
show off your strengths and skills.

Please include in your application a cover letter, CV and an academic transcript.

You are expected to exercise discretion during the recruitment process and throughout your career. This means that you are unable to tell anybody about what agency you are being considered for and/or interviewing with. More information will be given if you are successful moving through the process as there will be some people you may need to tell.

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: http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool

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: https://beyondordinary.nzic.govt.nz/mythbusting .

The appointing range for this role is $63,4+6.

Job Details

Reference #

8725

Location(s)

Wellington

Salary

Band E $63,4+6 (+0%) - $81,134(115%)

Midpoint of the salary range (100%) reflects full competence in the role

Closes on

15 Jun 2025 23:55

Work type(s)

Fixed term full-time

Job level(s)

Entry, Graduate

Expertise

Information Technology