Intelligence Mission Director

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The Strategic Intelligence Branch is a unique and inclusive blend of civilian and military intelligence analysts. Our four analytical teams, each lead by an Intelligence Mission Director, deliver insights, forecasts and warnings related to global activities and trends that affect New Zealand Defence Force and Ministry of Defence activities and decision-making

You will lead a team of analysts producing strategic intelligence on high-interest international defence and security issues. Senior military officers, government officials and ministers will rely on your team's intelligence assessments to enhance and inform decision-making. Your team will produce written reports and verbally brief on a regular basis. Your team's outputs will draw on information that is both publicly available and from classified sources to translate the findings into accessible, valuable finished intelligence. You and your team will be engaging across New Zealand's defence and security sector while working closely with international defence intelligence partners.

This role is based full time in Defence House, Wellington CBD. While there is no flexibility around location, flexible hours are negotiable.

The international nature of the position requires occasional out of hours activities. The ability to travel domestically and internationally is also required.

Please note: As this role requires a high level of security clearance, you will need to be / have been a NZ, UK, Australian, Canadian or USA citizen for a minimum of 10 years to be eligible for this role. 

The successful candidate is required to undergo a psychological assessment as part of the pre-employment security vetting process.  

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

You will have experience in international affairs and defence matters with demonstrated analytic and critical thinking skills. You will be organised and adaptable to thrive in a high-tempo and rapidly changing work environment.

You will also have:

• Effective communication skills – both written and verbal.
• Experience working at the strategic level in either intelligence or policy areas.
• Leadership skills and an ability to deliver complex analytical products to tight timelines.
• The ability to establish and maintain effective relationships and networks.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning – safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close on Monday 21 July 2025.

Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.

Please Note:

• All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description and a Contact Us option for any queries or technical issues.
• Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
• Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.

NZDF Employees/Members – please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.

NZDF Contractors – please apply via the Defence Careers website.

NZDF Reserves – please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.

NZDF is currently undertaking a Workforce Savings Programme (WSP) to realise efficiencies and required enduring savings, in which NZDF has proposed some changes to the organisational structure of its civilian workforce. At this point in time this position is not proposed to be affected. We welcome your application for this important role and want to let you know that if the WSP is likely to impact on the role you are applying for, we will let you know at the earliest opportunity.

Please Note:

To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:

Higher Level Security Clearance

• You must be a New Zealand Citizen for at least the last ten (10) years.
• At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years.
• To obtain this level of clearance, you must have a background history of fifteen (15) years that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.

If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.