Senior Information Security Advisor - Wellington, Auckland or Christchurch

• Wellington is the preferred location but will consider Auckland or Christchurch for the right candidate
• Information security focus
• Leading assurance across MSD's transformational change programme

Bring your information security expertise to a role where it truly matters. At MSD, you'll lead meaningful work that protects sensitive information and supports secure, effective public services - all within a highly collaborative and forward-thinking team.

The opportunity and organisation

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is a people-centred organisation. We're in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.

MSD - Services for the Future programme is about MSD's future role and how we can make a bigger and better difference for New Zealanders. It will help us achieve the shifts we want to make to achieve our strategic goal, Te Pae Tawhiti.

The programme is a major undertaking, delivering significant benefits to over a million New Zealanders who access MSD support and services. This is a unique opportunity to be involved in MSD's journey.

As a Senior Information Security Advisor, you will lead critical work supporting delivery of the Service for the Future programme. Your expert advice will directly support the Ministry's strategic and operational goals, ensuring that information is handled with the highest standards of integrity and care.

About the role | Mō te tūnga

What you'll be doing:

• Providing expert security advice and guidance on the Ministry's systems, practices, and new initiatives - including Certification and Accreditation (C&A) assessments.
• Working collaboratively with information management and privacy colleagues within IPS to ensure all information risks are identified and mitigated.
• Designing and implementing risk-based information assurance activities that align with national security requirements and legislation.
• Developing and leading training and guidance materials, embedding a culture of information responsibility throughout the organisation.
• Building strong internal and external relationships, including cross-agency collaboration.
• Leading assurance reporting, making data-informed recommendations to improve security maturity and mitigate risks.

What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga

• A recognised expert in information security, with deep knowledge of frameworks like the Protective Security Requirements (PSR) and the New Zealand Information Security Manual (NZISM).
• Demonstrated experience in risk management, security policy development, and compliance assurance.
• Experienced in dealing with complexity and ambiguity, with the ability to work flexibly to deliver the outcomes required.
• Strong communication and relationship skills - able to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• A collaborative and strategic thinker who can connect advice across a wide operational context.
• Proven ability to mentor and support others, lifting capability across a team.
• Familiarity with public sector requirements and experience working in large, complex environments is an advantage.

About our team

As part of MSD's Organisational Assurance and Communications Group, the Information Privacy and Security (IPS) Group offer support and advice across information management, security and privacy domains. IPS are responsible for ensuring that MSD information and systems are protected, information has value, and our people use it responsibly to achieve MSD's purpose.

Our Core Values

Manaaki - We care about the wellbeing and success of people
Mahi tahi - We work together, making a difference for communities
Whanau - We are inclusive and build a sense of belonging and place
Tika me te pono - We do the right thing with integrity.

Join them today and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of others. You must have a valid NZ work visa for your application to be considered.

Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga

http://www.msd.govt.nz/hr/documents/position-descriptions/dce-organisational-assurance-and-communication/information/senior-information-security-advisor.docx

Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $119,586.00 - $145,235.00

Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Sunday 4th October 2026

About us | Mō mātou

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is a people-centred organisation. We're in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.

We provide social policy advice to government, and assistance including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.

As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.

Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

Before you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment

To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.

Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process. Please highlight how your skills and experience relate to the key responsibilities listed in the position description and job advertisement.

All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at [email protected]

Internal MSD Employees - please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.

Joining us | Ko te hono mai

Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents.

We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. You can find out more about our values here.

If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.