Principal Advisor, National Security Policy and Coordination

The Coordination and Emerging Issues team sits within the Policy and Coordination Directorate in the National Security and Resilience Group (NSRG). The team provides strategic system leadership, policy advice, and coordination on national security issues.

We are looking for a high performing Principal Advisor to join our team, leading the counter-terrorism and violent extremism portfolio.

The successful applicant will lead the delivery of advice to the Chief Executive-level National Security Board, the National Security Advisor, and Ministers; support strategic system leadership and delivery of the cross-government work programme; coordinate and conduct outreach and engagement; and engage in a range of international fora. This is an exciting role at the heart of central government. Youll work in a collaborative environment with agencies across the public service, including in intelligence, law enforcement, justice, and more.

This role is full-time and is Wellington-based.

About You | O pumanawa

As part of the high-performing and collaborative team, youll contribute to the work by helping to set the strategic direction and drive the work programme, including leading complex policy projects.

The Policy Project's Policy Skills Framework describes the knowledge, skills and behaviours required of NSRGs policy staff. Principal Advisors are expected to demonstrate these at the leading level.

For detailed descriptors, refer to the full Policy Skills Framework here.

To be successful, you will bring with you:

Experience and knowledge in counter-terrorism and violent extremism and a strong interest in national security.
Expertise in public sector policy development processes.
Advanced strategic and systems-thinking skills, with the ability to navigate complex policy environments.
Proven ability to synthesise complex data, intelligence, and risk information into clear, actionable strategic advice.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including drafting for Ministers and senior stakeholders.
Exceptional engagement and relationship management skills, and a demonstrated ability to build relationships across a wide array of stakeholders and to influence and engage others within and outside the public sector
Strong organisational insight and cultural competence, with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Dedication to mentoring, coaching, and inclusive leadership.
Strong public sector foundations, including an understanding of the obligations of the Crown under the Treaty of Waitangi and expectations of M ori related to your work