Job Description
About The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet | Te Tari o te Pirimia me te Rūnanga Kāwanatanga
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) occupies a unique space within the heart of government supporting the Prime Minister, Cabinet and the Governor General to lead and govern New Zealand. The department also has an important role to build a stronger, more secure nation through our national resilience, risk and national security activity.
About the Role | Mō te Tūranga
The Deputy Chief Executive – National Security and Resilience is a key member of the DPMC Executive Leadership Team, with wide-reaching responsibilities for ensuring New Zealand’s national security, risk, and resilience systems are integrated, future-focused, and effectively coordinated.
This is a highly strategic and system leadership position, involving oversight of the:
- National Security functions, ensuring the effective coordination of security-related activities, policies, and initiatives,
- National Risk and Resilience Group, driving proactive and robust approaches to New Zealand’s risk frameworks and emergency preparedness, and
- National Assessments Bureau, delivering high-quality, independent assessments to inform security decisions at the highest level.
This role also carries the title ofDeputy National Security Advisor, supporting the National Security Advisor to implement New Zealand’s security and resilience strategies at both tactical and system levels.
Key Responsibilities | Ngā Haepapa Matua
- Provide system-wide leadership to ensure New Zealand’s national security, risk management, and resilience frameworks are cohesive, integrated, and forward-looking.
- Undertake oversight of the above groups, ensuring their alignment with DPMC’s strategic objectives.
- Work collaboratively with other agencies, Ministers, and external stakeholders to deliver a whole-of-government approach to security and resilience.
- Anticipate emerging risks and foster a proactive, coordinated, and agile response to complex challenges and threats.
- Cultivate partnerships across sectors to enhance New Zealand’s knowledge, tools, and system maturity in the realm of preparedness and national resilience.
- Act as a trusted adviser to the National Security Advisor and other senior leaders, sharing expert insights and recommendations on key priorities.
About You | Mōu Anō
To succeed in this role, you will be an exceptional leader with:
- In-depth experience in national security, risk governance, resilience, or a related field, ideally within a public sector context,
- Proven ability to lead, motivate, and inspire multidisciplinary teams in a fast-changing and complex environment,
- Strong strategic thinking and outstanding collaboration skills,
- A sound understanding of New Zealand’s security architecture and systems, as well as international trends in risk and resilience,
- The confidence to influence senior decision-making forums and build trusted, credible relationships across government, iwi/Māori, private sector, and international partners,
- A commitment to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a culturally inclusive approach to leadership in a diverse environment.
Why Join Us? | Nā te aha i Tūhono Mai Ai Ki a Mātou?
Working at DPMC means being at the heart of some of the most significant and impactful work in Aotearoa New Zealand. This role presents a rare opportunity to lead and contribute to the security and well-being of New Zealanders, working with smart and motivated people in an environment that values collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
You’ll be part of a high-performing organisation that supports flexible working arrangements and prioritises professional development.
Security Requirements | Ngā Whakaritenga Haumarutanga
Normally you must be a New Zealand citizen or hold a Resident class visa. Alternatively, you must have been a citizen of the UK, USA, Canada or Australia with a 15 year checkable background. To find out morecheck your eligibility for a TOP SECRET SPECIAL (TSS) security clearance.
How to Apply – Me Pēhea te Tono Mai
Apply below or contact Shane Mackay from H2R Consulting at shane.mackay@h2r.co.nz or at 04 499 9471 for a confidential discussion. All applications must be made online. The closing date for this role is 5pm Sunday 20th July 2025.
DPMC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applicants from all backgrounds are warmly encouraged to apply.
Applicants must have the ability to obtain and maintain the legal right to work in New Zealand. Prior to DPMC confirming any offer of employment, pre-employment checks will be undertaken including criminal conviction history and reference checking as a minimum.