Senior Information Security Adviser | Wellington City

Job Description

Senior Information Security Adviser
Role type: Permanent, full-time
Location: Wellington
Salary band & range: BTIS - D: $109,786 to $128,433 (midpoint) depending on skills and experience

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

We're looking for a Senior Information Security Adviser to join our growing information security team within the Security & Privacy directorate at MPI. This is a unique opportunity to work across a wide range of projects and technologies, including cloud platforms, as we modernise and strengthen our digital environment.

You'll lead security risk assessments and certification and accreditation activities for both new initiatives and existing systems. These projects span across the Ministry, offering you the chance to contribute to the protection of New Zealand's people, environment, and economy.

You'll collaborate with the CISO to evolve our certification and assurance processes, ensuring they remain fit-for-purpose in a rapidly changing threat landscape. You'll also support and mentor other advisers and analysts, contribute to incident response, and help foster a strong security culture across MPI.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading certification activities as part of MPI's Certification and Accreditation (C&A) process.
• Advising on risk and threat profiles, and recommending mitigation strategies.
• Supporting cloud migration and secure-by-design initiatives.
• Monitoring global and local security threats and advising on their impact.
• Promoting security awareness and education across the organisation.
• Supporting the wider InfoSec team, Service Desk, and Security Operations Centre.

About You - Mōu

You're an experienced security professional with a passion for protecting systems and data. Whether you're already operating at a senior level or ready to step up, you bring a pragmatic, adaptable approach and a strong understanding of systems, processes, and risk.

You thrive in dynamic environments and enjoy working on a variety of projects – from traditional infrastructure to cloud-based platforms. You're confident engaging with stakeholders, vendors, and consultants, and you're always open to new perspectives and learning opportunities.

We're looking for someone who:

• Has experience in certification and assurance processes.
• Is comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving outcomes.
• Communicates clearly and builds strong relationships.
• Ideally holds a recognised InfoSec certification (e.g., CISSP, CISM, CISA)—but this isn't essential.

We value diverse perspectives and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you're passionate about security and want to make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

Our InfoSec team sits within the Security and Privacy directorate under the Chief Security Officer. We provide assurance and advisory services across MPI and our suppliers. We're a growing, collaborative, supportive team committed to helping our people stay safe and secure in everything they do.

About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua

At MPI, we're passionate about growing prosperity in the primary industries while upholding our role as kaitiaki—guardians of New Zealand's natural resources.

Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua

• Additional MPI leave days

• Annual Wellness payment

• Bi-annual paid eye test and contribution to corrective lenses/frames

Security checks - Ngā Taki Whakahaumaru

Low level Security Clearance

• most preferably a New Zealand citizen, who has resided continuously in New Zealand for at least the last five (5) years, OR
• is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last five (5) years: either Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom (UK) or the United States of America (USA); and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at this level.
• click here to find out more about the national security vetting process and access the eligibility self-check tool.

If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.

Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake?
We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori.

We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatū Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.

In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.

To view the position description and/or apply online, please click “APPLY” or visit the MPI Careers Site. To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it – click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Friday 20^th June

If you have any questions about the role, please email george.mitrakas@mpi.govt.nz 

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