What you will do

You will be responsible for developing and delivering public affairs solutions and advice, to support the achievement of desired outcomes for the New Zealand Army and the wider NZDF. 

As a trusted advisor to the Chief of Army and their leadership team, working in a constructive partnership, you will assist in decision-making through knowledge, expertise and innovation.

A typical day could include:

• Supporting and advising the Chief of Army and the Senior Leadership team;
• Developing and implementing the annual public affairs plan for the New Zealand Army;
• Overseeing initiatives and responding to occurrences with an expected or potential public affairs consequence relating to New Zealand Army and NZDF;
• Identifying and assessing public affairs risks and opportunities to ensure desired NZDF and New Zealand Army relationship, reputation and engagement outcomes are met; and
• Promoting and connecting NZDF public affairs policy, practices and objectives to New Zealand Army communications.

Please note: You will be required to partake in rostered duties, responding to media enquiries, outside of regular office hours.

What we need

You will bring a sound understanding of communications, change communications and public relations along with an understanding of issues and reputation management. You will be flexible and adaptable to changing needs, with the ability to effectively build trusted working relationships.

You will also have:

• Senior experience in public relations, corporate public affairs or related field, including media;
• Proactive, highly committed and service driven with a desire to add value and capable of identifying and addressing customers' needs;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for all levels and complexities;
• Proven risk mitigation and an ability to identify opportunities; and
• An ability to think methodically, establish and maintain sound processes and systems, and respond quickly to complex issues.

Who we are

Defence Public Affairs (DPA) creates, engages, educates and advises to strengthen trust, inspire confidence and achieve NZDF communication and engagement outcomes. A central purpose of DPA is to maintain and enhance reputation of the NZDF. Along with this, DPA supports New Zealand Government and NZDF policy, strategy and objectives and acts as trusted advisers for the leaders and people of the NZDF. Through the provision of creative services (including content development, editing, imagery, and design), digital expertise, marketing, media relations and business partnership, DPA provides for the integration of NZDF public affairs activity.

Every hour of every day, 365 days of the year, the New Zealand Defence Force is contributing to the defence, security and well-being of Aotearoa / New Zealand. As a modern, professional military, it is our goal to maintain well trained, equipped and disciplined armed forces that can react to crisis at short notice.

Why Us

NZDF is an inclusive organisation that is open to flexible working arrangements and welcomes applications from people regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, age, beliefs/opinions, or family circumstances.

In return for your expertise, dedication and hard work, NZDF is offering remuneration reflective of your experience, along with:

• Great benefits for you and your family;
• Fully funded life cover up to $300,000;
• Discounts Handbook for selected retail, entertainment and service providers;
• Variety, challenge and a chance to influence;
• Flexible working environment and positive culture.

How to Apply

To view the Position Description and to Apply, please use the links on this page. For further information, contact Al Mitchell alistair.mitchell@nzdf.mil.nz.

Please note: We are also advertising for two Senior Public Affairs Advisory positions – one permanent and one fixed term for 12 months. If you are interested, you are more than welcome to apply for these positions also.

Please note:

• The NZ Government has announced COVID-19 vaccine mandates covering all employees of the NZDF. Under the mandate, in order to be eligible to work within the NZDF, all staff are required to be fully vaccinated, and proof of your vaccination status will be required.
• Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.
• If you are an existing NZDF employee (excluding contractors) you must apply through our Internal Vacancies site, via the HR Toolkit.

Applications close on Thursday 3 February 2022.

Please note: Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand (NZ) and be able to obtain and maintain the required level of NZ Government security clearance for the position applied for. The minimum citizenship and residency criteria for security clearances to be granted by the NZ Defence Force are as follows:

Higher level Security Clearance

• most preferably a NZ citizen who has resided continuously in this country for the last 10 years, OR
• is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last 10 years: either Australia, Canada, NZ, UK or the USA; and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the NZSIS towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at a higher level.

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